Individual story highlights pain behind suicide statistics

Fiona Perez, whose husband died as a result of suicide, was one of the speakers at a local seminar to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September 2010.

Fiona Perez releases 16 balloons, symbolising the average number of suicide deaths in Taranaki each year. (Source: Daily News)

Fiona spoke about the impact of her husband's death and highlighted the importance of mental health professionals listening to family and friends when trying to determine whether an individual is at risk of suicide. She also spoke about the need for individuals such as herself to speak out about the impact of suicide so that individual stories did not disappear in the statistical data.

Kerry Babbage, founder of the local MATES (Men Empowering Men) programme, followed on from Fiona and talked about the damaging effects of relationship breakdown and other life crises on men, many of whom did not have access to appropriate social support networks to seek help and advice. Kerry spoke about how the MATES programme was providing such a support service locally, enabling men to gain support from other males and embark on a journey of professional and spiritual development.

Along with these local speakers, the seminar also offered the opportunity for people to watch a live streamed presentation of the annual SPINZ (Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand) forum taking place in Auckland. This forum featured a number of prominent researchers on suicide prevention, allowing local people to find out more about the findings of recent research on the issue. Executive Clinical Director of Mental Health at Taranaki DHB, Dr Samir Heble, formally opened the seminar and spoke about the importance of different groups working alongside health services to address the issue of suicide prevention, stating that a multi-faceted approach was needed.

Around 70 people attended the forum including local health service providers, social work students from WITT, Maori health providers, community organisation representatives and interested members of the public.

After the seminar, a balloon launch was held outside the New Plymouth District Council Chamber. Sixteen balloons, representing the average number of suicide deaths in Taranaki each year, were released.

Channa Perry, Safe Community Programme Manager for New Plymouth injurySafe who organised the event, stated:

"Having local presenters speak following the live streamed seminar was really valuable. Fiona's talk highlighted the personal story behind the statistics, and the devastating impact that suicide has on families and communities, and Kerry spoke about a positive example of how local people are taking action to support others at risk of suicide".

The seminar also provided an opportunity for local people to sign up for a free on-line training programme offered locally. QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) usually costs $50 for the one hour programme, but funding has been made available to support delivery of the programme across Taranaki at no cost.

If you are interested in the QPR training, please contact Kris Ramsamy by emailing kris.ramsamy@otago.ac.nz

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Individual story highlights pain behind suicide statistics

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