Suicide Prevention Office part of Government’s plan

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A Suicide Prevention Office will be established as part of the Government’s plan to “support people in distress” and help bring down New Zealand’s high suicide rate.

The financial details of the office have not been disclosed, but it will be housed and supported by the Ministry of Health initially, with the intention of becoming standalone in “coming years”.

It will be established as part of the Government’s Suicide Prevention Strategy 2019-2029 and Action Plan 2019-2024 for Aotearoa New Zealand.

The office will provide “central leadership and better coordination” of suicide prevention work, a statement on behalf of the Prime Minister and Health Minister said.

It will lead the health aspect of suicide prevention and work with other Government agencies to clarify their roles in preventing suicide.

In addition, a “lived experience advisory group” and “Māori advisory group” will also be established to work with the office.