A global approach to suicide prevention research

Le Va was a proud sponsor of the 2024 IASP Australasian Research Workshop held at the University of Auckland in February, where international and local experts debated current trends and research in suicide prevention.

(L to R) Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, Dr Sarah Hettrick, Dr Tania Cargo, Tiana Watkins, Leilani Clarke

The World Health Organisation estimates that, globally, more than 700,000 people die due to suicide each year. For every tragic death there are many more who attempt suicide or have serious suicidal ideation.

Organisations like Le Va and the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) are dedicated to preventing suicide and alleviating its devastating impacts on families and communities.

Over two days, researchers in the suicide prevention and post-vention space came together to share their expertise. Speakers from Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world shared their insights on a broad range of topics, from artificial intelligence to indigenous approaches to suicide prevention research.

Leilani Clarke, Le Va’s Senior Manager Suicide Prevention – Pacific, said of the event, “Partnering with our communities, those with lived experience, NGOs and government organisations is essential in the field of suicide prevention research. They provide context and insight into interpreting the results and can then implement the findings into policy, practice and education.”

Le Va takes a holistic view of wellbeing, and our evidence-based work is co-created with people who have lived experience, are Pasifika cultural knowledge holders and thought leaders nationally and internationally.

We have developed two highly regarded national programmes that are designed to equip individuals, families and communities to prevent suicide. FLO: Pasifika for Life is Aotearoa’s first national Pasifika suicide prevention programme and LifeKeepers is the national suicide prevention programme designed for all New Zealanders.

IASP leads the global role in suicide prevention by strategically developing a forum that creates strong collaborative partnerships and promotes evidence-based action to reduce the incidence of suicide and suicidal behaviour.

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Learn more about Le Va’s suicide prevention programmes.