"IT IS time for Welsh Government to make parity between mental and physical health a reality in Wales," a Gwent AM has said.

Torfaen's Lynne Neagle was speaking in the Assembly on Wednesday as it was announced an extra £500,000 per year is being invested into schemes aimed at cutting rates of suicide across Wales.

The most recent figures show there were 360 suicides in Wales in 2017 - up from 322 the year before.

Labour AM Ms Neagle has repeatedly called for more support for those at risk of suicide, as well as those affected by it, called figures showing more than 200 children due from suicide in the UK every year "a national scandal".

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She said more resources needed to be put into understanding why people decide suicide is their only answer, and said more work in particular needed to be done to address the problem among men.

"It is the leading cause of death for men under the age of 45," she said. "It is without any shadow of a doubt a public health emergency. Yet, most men who die by suicide have no previous contact with mental health services before their death. So, how do we reach them?

"With half of all mental health problems beginning in childhood, Samaritans Cymru have told us that developing resilience and early intervention in schools has a major role to play in preventing male suicide. I agree."

Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle

She added: "It is time for Welsh Government to make parity between mental and physical health a reality in Wales."

Among the projects which will benefit from the Welsh Government funding will be the recruitment of national and regional leads for suicide prevention, support for those bereaved by suicide and training for public services staff.

Announcing the funding, health minister Vaughan Gething said: “Improving mental health and well-being and preventing suicide continue to be a priority for the Welsh Government.

“We can’t always predict who will be affected by suicide. However, suicide can be prevented if we reduce the risk factors that make it more likely. That’s why we will target the additional investment we are making towards actions that can help prevent and reduce suicidal behaviours, as well as providing appropriate support to communities to address this complex issue.

“As a society, we all need to work together to prevent suicide. Friends, families, organisations, and communities all have a part to play.”

Health minister Vaughan Gething