Community education is the key to effective suicide prevention

Dr Quinnett is a Clinical Psychologist and President of the QPR Institute, an educational organisation dedicated to the prevention of suicide. He is also Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Science at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, Washington. The seminar was organised by New Plymouth injury Safe Trust in partnership with Like Minds Taranaki and Clinical Advisory Services Aotearoa (CASA). 

Dr Quinnett's presentation highlighted how education plays a critical role in enabling those in close contact with individuals at risk of suicide to pick up on suicide 'warning signals' and to respond appropriately to help the person at risk to access appropriate help. He spoke about the training offered by QPR - Question, Persuade and Refer - and how this training is tailored to different individuals. QPR trains individuals to sensitively question those they believe to be at risk of suicide and to persuade them to accept a referral to help.

Feedback following Dr Quinnett's seminar presentation was excellent, and a number of those who attended the presentation expressed interest in joining the Taranaki Suicide Prevention Coordination Group which is currently exploring the development of a more comprehensive suicide awareness and prevention training programme across the region. This group was established following the completion of a Taranaki Suicide Prevention Needs Assessment in 2008 which identified a need for greater coordination in the area of suicide prevention locally.  

For more information about the Suicide Prevention Coordination Group, please contact:

Channa Perry

Ph: 06 753 7777 x8792

Email: npis@tdhb.org.nz