THE number of recorded suicides in Gwent has doubled in a year, according to latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

In 2015, 66 people took their own lives in Gwent compared to 30 in the previous year.

The number of recorded suicides has risen sharply across Wales, where, in 2015, 350 suicides were recorded, compared to 247 the year before.

However, the charity Samaritans has said that the increase in suicides in Wales needs to be treated “with caution” and that fluctuations from one year to another can be due to “problems with accuracy in registering and recording a death by suicide”.

The ONS figures show that, in 2015, 16 people killed themselves in Newport – compared to seven the year before – and that there were 16 recorded suicides in Monmouthshire in 2015, compared to two the previous year.

The figures also show that, in Torfaen, there were nine recorded suicides in 2015, whilst there were four the year before. In Blaenau Gwent, nine people took their own lives in 2015, compared to two the previous year.

Caerphilly only saw a slight increase, from 15 recorded suicides in 2014 and 16 in 2015.

In the ONS report, it says: “There were variations in the suicide rate across the constituent countries of the UK in 2015.

“Scotland and England saw decreases in the rate, whilst Wales and Northern Ireland saw large increases, which were largely driven by their increases in male suicide deaths.

“Additionally, Wales and Northern Ireland saw large decreases in their suicide rates in 2014, which makes the increase in 2015 look larger.”

Samaritans CEO Ruth Sutherland said: “Suicide is everybody’s business, which is why we are currently campaigning to ensure that every area has an effective Local Suicide Prevention Plan.

“Suicide is not inevitable, it’s preventable and politicians, employers, health bodies and educators all have a role in identifying and supporting those most at risk.

“With better awareness and education on suicide prevention, as well as better planning, we will save lives.”

The Samaritans can be contacted on 01633 259 000 (Gwent Samaritans) or 116 123.