To mark World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday 10 September, a poem by Torfaen residents has been framed and is now on display at Cwmbran Library.
Fifteen residents come together to create the powerful poem, offering hope and reassurance to people experiencing suicidal thoughts.
The pilot project was delivered by the Jacob Abraham Foundation who worked with local poet Patrick Jones and a writing group at TLC Church in Cwmbran, to create a poem titled ‘The Coat’, as well as a short film (opens in new tab).
It explores themes of hope, resilience and self-care, encouraging people to draw on their inner strength during difficult times.
Some group members have had struggles with their own mental health and were able to write about their experiences of periods in life where they felt hope had gone.
Among those involved was Julie Cross, who helped establish the group up in May 2025. Julie said: “It was a privilege to work with the Jacob Abraham Foundation. The workshops encouraged us to reflect on our own experiences and helped shape the poem.
"I hope it offers comfort to anyone going through a difficult time, encouraging them to seek support and reminding them that they are stronger than they may realise."
The project was made possible thanks to a £12,550 grant from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund, administered by Torfaen Council, which also funded suicide prevention training.
As part of the wider initiative, the foundation also delivered Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) to 33 members of public who applied.
The training, at TLC Church, Cwmbran RFC and Victory Church Blaenavon, helped them gain the skills and confidence to recognise and respond to signs that someone may be at risk of suicide.
Many are now using the skills in their professional roles, where they are dealing with vulnerable people.
Steph Mapstone, training lead at the Jacob Abrahams Foundation said: "With the poem we decided to work with an established writing group to convey the important message of community connection, resilience, and, above all, hope.
“Against a backdrop of rising suicide rates in Wales, it was great that this project also gave us an opportunity to up skill individuals seeking to gain confidence in intervening during a crisis."
The latest Office for National Statistics figures recorded 436 suicides in Wales in 2024, an increase from 386 the previous year.
Councillor Fiona Cross, Torfaen Council's Executive Member for Communities, said: "This project is a great example of the Torfaen Deal in action, bringing together residents, charities and professionals to strengthen community connections.
"The poem delivers a powerful message, while the ASIST training has equipped people with the skills and confidence to recognise when someone is struggling and respond appropriately in their professional and personal lives."
Anyone struggling with their mental health or experiencing suicidal thoughts, can seek support through the Jacob Abraham Foundation (opens in new tab), Melo Cymru (opens in new tab)and Suicide Prevention UK. (opens in new tab)
For information on suicide bereavement groups in Torfaen, contact bryn@jacobsfoundation.org.uk and for general community based bereavement support, visit Connect Torfaen (opens in new tab)
The Jacob Abraham Foundation was formed in memory of Jacob Abraham, who tragically took his own life in October 2015.
The charity works to raise awareness of suicide, support those affected by suicide, promote positive mental health and provide training and resources to help prevent suicide within communities.