Suicide is a difficult topic and one that we, as a society, often avoid talking about.

There is no escaping the fact, however, that dying by suicide is one of the leading causes of death in Wales. It is the biggest killer of men under 50 and a major cause of death in teenage years.

The latest statistics show that, in 2018 in the UK and Republic of Ireland, more than 6,800 people died by suicide. Every suicide is a tragedy that devastates families, friends and whole communities. But suicide is not inevitable.

By raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide and encouraging well-informed action, we can prevent suicide. We can create a safer world, simply, by talking about suicide, raising awareness and taking the time to ask someone if they are okay.

The importance of enabling people to talk about suicide is a point I have heard made many times by experts. I am not a suicide-prevention practitioner but the more I have learned about suicide prevention the more I have come to realise that all of us – not just those in the NHS or the emergency services – have a role to play in preventing suicides. Simple, compassionate conversations may just make the difference between life and death.

Every year World Suicide Prevention Day seeks to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention and I was pleased to mark the day recently by visiting the bereavement charity 2 Wish Upon A Star to discuss the pilot they are running to support those bereaved by suicide in Gwent. The theme of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is Creating Hope Through Action, and nothing describes the work of 2 Wish better.

No matter how big or small our actions are, we can provide hope to those who are struggling. We may never know what we do that makes a difference. But we can all reach out to somebody. We can all take the time to ask a friend, a neighbour or a colleague how they are. We do not need to tell them what to do or that we have the solutions. Just by making the time and space to listen to someone may help.

The Covid-19 pandemic has further contributed to people’s increased feelings of isolation and vulnerability. But by creating hope through action, we can signal to people experiencing suicidal thoughts that there is hope and that we care and want to support them. Small talk may save lives and create a sense of connection and hope in somebody who may be struggling.