Gwynedd Council Cabinet members have unanimously agreed to adopt a suicide and self-harm prevention action plan.

Cabinet members agreed to adopt the Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Action Plan 2026–2028 at a meeting on 15 September.

Council leader, Cllr Nia Jeffreys said the council was “committed to playing its part” in reducing the number of deaths by suicide.

The council is working alongside partners to ensure services are available for those at risk of self-harm or suicide.

Support will also be available for families and communities living with their effects, whilst also working to prevent it among children and young people.

Adopting the plan means different council services and departments would “work together.”

Cllr Jeffreys said: “We are committed to playing our part in the national and global effort to prevent suicide and self-harm.

“In 2024, more than 15 people per 100,000 of the population in Wales died by suicide, and this figure was higher than in 2023.

“This is a sobering statistic, and we are determined to work with the community and other organisations to prevent these deaths.

“It is a complex issue, and many factors are associated with suicide, including poverty, mental and physical health problems, alcohol and substance misuse, and more.

“This is why everyone should work together on a local and national level to address these challenges.”

Council Chair, Cllr Elin Walker Jones, said: “Self-harm and suicide have often been taboo subjects in our society over generations.

“It is extremely important that we become more willing to discuss issues like these openly and remind people that support is available; people are not alone.

“Unfortunately, this is an issue that affects many families and communities.”

The plan was developed in response to the Welsh Government’s Wales Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Strategy 2025–2035.