Work to commence on first home-grown national suicide prevention training programme

Le Va is delighted with the announcement that following an open Ministry of Health tender process, it has received funding from the Ministry to design and deliver a new national suicide prevention training programme for New Zealand.

“In collaboration with key partners, we’re delighted to have the opportunity to develop New Zealand’s first home-grown national suicide prevention programme for all New Zealanders,” says Le Va Chief Executive, Dr Monique Faleafa.

“Over 500 people die from suicide in New Zealand each year – that’s more than the annual road toll and drownings combined.

“We need to do better, we know that suicide is preventable, so that’s why we’ll be working extremely hard to create a national suicide prevention training programme that works in a New Zealand context.”

The new community focused training programme will be rolled out later this year targeting people who come into regular contact with those at risk of suicide, such as community workers, sports coaches, clergy and school counsellors.

By increasing the number of people able to identify and support individuals at risk of suicide in their communities and refer them to agencies and services that can help, there will be a broader safety net within communities to prevent suicide.

The free training programme will be the first of its type in New Zealand.  It will build upon best practice and will be quality assured, clinically safe and culturally relevant.  There will also be a focus on accessibility with online modules, face-to-face workshops and innovative elements all designed to suit people’s learning preferences.

To help develop and deliver the programme Le Va has formed a strategic alliance with three national organisations; Te Rau Matatini, Walker Psychology Ltd, and Homecare Medical.

An Expert Advisory Group has also been established to support the design of the training programme. The expert group will particularly advise on programme content, evaluation, cultural and clinical safety, quality, communications and also provide networks for wide reach. Group membership includes (with membership still growing):

• Maria Baker (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa), CEO Te Rau Matatini
• Professor Sir Mason Durie (Rangitane, Ngāti Kauwhata), Chair Waka Hourua Leadership Group
• Professor Annette Beautrais – Research Advisor to Le Va, DHB suicide prevention coordinator
• Marie Daly, Programme Manager of Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand
• Dr Chris Seu, Psychiatric Registrar, Counties Manukau DHB
• Roger Shave, Clinical Manager, Community Postvention Response Service, CASA
• Naida Glavish, Chief Advisor Tikanga and General Manager Maori Health Auckland and Waitemata DHBs

If you would like more information about the new national suicide prevention training programme, or would like to offer support given the nature of your work, please contact us.