Suicide prevention publications

A suite of five reports, and a sixth summary report, has been produced as part of a contract the Ministry of Health held with the Wellington School of Medicine and Health Sciences between 2001 and 2004.

This review was commissioned by the Ministry to help inform its development of the draft New Zealand Suicide Prevention Strategy, which was released April 27 2005 to public consultation.

The relationship between health professionals working in suicide prevention and media organisations generally has not been harmonious. Health professionals, concerned that the irresponsible reporting of suicide may lead to contagion or copycat behaviours, wish to see reporting guidelines for the media.

This involved a search, synthesis and initial assessment of the national and international media resources that are available for use in supporting those who have been affected by a suicide attempt. It includes a summary of key resources available to people living in New Zealand.