Safeguarding Week 2020 - Talking Saves Lives

 Monday, 16th November will mark the beginning of Safeguarding Week 2020 and Cwm Taf Morgannwg Safeguarding Board (CTMSB), along with all other Safeguarding Boards throughout Wales, is taking this opportunity to work with its partners to highlight safeguarding issues and promote safeguarding activities. 

This year has been like no other. With the lockdowns that have been enforced due to Covid-19, the country has experienced extreme disruption, with thousands of people feeling socially isolated, with no access to activities such as going to the gym or taking part in group activities, that they may normally rely on to help them with cope with the stresses of daily life. This has subsequently had a massive negative effect on the mental health and well-being of people of all ages and very sadly, in some circumstances, this has led to people taking their own lives.

In light of this, and in the knowledge that we are likely to be experiencing some form of continued lockdown over the winter months, the Safeguarding Board and its partners will be focussing this year’s Safeguarding Week on positive mental wellbeing and preventing suicide. This is even more important as we enter the winter period, which is already a time that is known to bring low moods for many, including those who may suffer with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The emphasis will be on ‘Talking Saves Lives’ and the importance of people reaching out and talking whenever they may be struggling and feel that things are getting on top of them. 

• Suicide remains a leading cause of death in young people in the UK, and the number of deaths due to intentional injuries and self-harm have not declined in 30 years.
• The latest figures show that the number of suicides are the highest they have been since 2000. 
• Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50. In 2019, there were almost 6,000 registered suicides in England and Wales, with around ¾ of these being men.
• Two in five men aged 20-59 in England, Scotland and Wales don't seek support when they need to, because they prefer to solve their own problems.

Throughout Safeguarding Week, there are a number of events taking place, which are aimed at children, young people, adults and professionals. These are focussing on suicide prevention and positive mental health and well-being. 

To view all the activities which are taking place during Safeguarding Week throughout RCT, Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend, please select this link

For information on more support services, apps and resources, please visit the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Board’s website – www.ctmsb.co.uk