Lifeline Release

For the last fifty years, the highly skilled staff at Lifeline have been at the end of the telephone for thousands of kiwis in crisis.

While Lifeline is increasingly expanding its support services across a number of high need areas in New Zealand, it is still most commonly known for its work in the area of suicide.

“Our ability to provide skilled, round the clock support and care in the suicide area is critical in a country where suicide is on the rise. Tragically, in the year ending 31 March 2015 saw New Zealand experience the highest number of suicides since records began,” said Ms Denvir, CEO of Lifeline Aotearoa.

“Suicide is a serious but preventable public health issue that has devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities. While its causes are complex, the goals of suicide prevention are simple—reduce factors that increase risk and increase factors that promote resilience or coping,” said Ms Denvir.

And these things are exactly where Lifeline’s focus is going forward.

“Lifeline already makes a real difference in the suicide and crisis area across all levels of New Zealand society but we could have an even greater impact with targeted funding that could be used to provide wrap around support services post crisis,” said Ms Denvir.

“Our focus going forward is to not just be New Zealand’s leading service that responds to a suicide crisis call, but to be the country’s leading service that follows up with individuals (and their families) after the crisis. This approach is key if we really want to make inroads around reducing the risk of future suicidal behaviour. It is also key if we are to develop pathways to well-being and resilience for individuals,” says Ms Denvir.

“We know connectedness is a key factor in suicide prevention. By following up crisis calls, we can better monitor risk and attempt to identify suicidal behavior. We would hope to also be able to provide support on any ongoing stresses, physical and mental health concerns, access to support issues and other factors known to contribute to suicidal behavior,” said Ms Denvir.

Lifeline Aotearoa run the New Zealand’s only Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 TAUTOKO which offers support to anyone thinking about suicide or to people affected by the death or injury of someone to suicide.

ENDS

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