Waikato DHB Suicide Prevention and Postvention Action Plan
In 2016 we developed the Waikato DHB Suicide Prevention and Postvention Action plan with set objectives to focus on reducing suicide and deliberate self-harm and improve mental health wellbeing in our Waikato Community. The document reflects the New Zealand Suicide Prevention Strategy 2006-2016 and the New Zealand Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2013-2016 .
What is the Waikato DHB doing?
The DHBs position is that one suicide is one too many.
- Everyone has a role in preventing suicide . The Waikato DHB aims to reduce suicide and deliberate self-harm and strengthen mental health and wellbeing in the Waikato to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
- Suicide prevention is everybody’s responsibility . Everyone can have a role in promoting wellbeing, minimising harm and assisting those in crisis.
- The action plan focuses on activities for the Waikato DHB and identifies actions to be implemented in conjunction with other agencies within our region including government and non-government agencies; community and volunteer sectors. It’s a collaboration of the community.
Suicide Prevention and Postvention Coordinator
The Waikato DHB employs a Suicide Prevention and Postvention coordinator to help with the implementation of the Suicide Prevention and Postvention Action plan for the Waikato community.
The Waikato DHB recognises that there are already a lot people and organisations working with passion to support those affected by depression, suicide and suicidal thoughts. We want to share information about these services so that everyone will know where to go to get the right support for them and their situation. We will also share information about any upcoming training opportunities that will be held in the region which can show us all how to recognise the warning signs of someone becoming seriously depressed and what any of us can do to help them.
We really want to make things as easy as possible for everyone in our community to know help is readily available and how that support can be accessed.
If you have any information about upcoming training opportunities or links to peer-reviewed literature that you would like shared, please email the coordinator. Please note that this email contact is not suitable for seeking clinical support or referral to services.
Useful links
The following are some useful websites
- www.depression.org.nz
- www.depression.org.nz/rural
- www.areyouok.org.nz
- www.thelowdown.co.nz
- www.mentalhealth.org.nz
- www.leva.co.nz/our-work/suicide-prevention
- VIDEO: 'We just need to get it out there' - talented performers taking suicide awareness to the stage
- www.headfirst.co.nz has been developed by the New Zealand Rugby Union in association with the Health Promotion Agency, LeVa and the Mental Health Foundation
We attach some factsheets that may be helpful for therapists and parents
Resources
- Tongan Youth resource Page 1 (Tongan language version)
- Tongan Youth resource Page 2 (Tongan language version)
- Tongan Youth resource Page 1 (English language version)
- Tongan Youth resource Page 2 (English language version)
Films about grief
Rauawawa Kaumātua Charitable Trust created the He Maimai Aroha - Suicide Prevention and Support resource, which consists of five videos to support kaumātua. (funded by Waka Hourua Community fund)
Films about grief
- Introduction to He Maimai Aroha - Suicide Prevention and Support resource
- Contemplating suicide and deciding not to go through with the suicide
- Supporting whānau in dealing with suicide
- Recognising the signs of someone at the risk of suicide and the role of kaumātua
- Attempted suicide, types of support received, and dealing with suicide
TVNZ have permitted us to link to the television programme, The Hard Stuff with Nigel Latta – Let’s Talk About Suicide - Safely - which gives clear advice on what we can all ask and do if we are concerned about someone’s safety.
Hawkes, M.(Writer), & Hawkes, M. (Director) (2016, August 9). Let’s Talk About Suicide – Safely [Television series episode]. In A. O’Connor Skelly (Producer) The Hard Stuff with Nigel Latta. Auckland, New Zealand: Razor Films
We also include some tools which can be helpful in mild to moderate depression but, please, if you are experiencing depression on a longer term or more severe basis, see your (GP) or an emergency service ( Where to get help ).
and a web based directory of services is available at www.linkage.co.nz/webhealth
The Ministry of Health toolkit also offers useful information and links to the health sector through the Suicide Prevention Toolkit for District Health Boards .