Suicide prevention research fund
The Ministry of Health has contracted Te Pou to manage the suicide prevention research fund.
This fund was established to help address gaps in national research in suicide, in particular the effectiveness of suicide prevention interventions. By funding small scale evaluation and research projects, and feasibility studies, we can build on what we already know and contribute to suicide prevention knowledge based on the best available research relevant to the New Zealand context.
The suicide prevention research fund intends to contribute to improving evidence-based knowledge:
- about the causes, correlates and nature of suicidal behaviours
- about the implementation of effective and safe suicide prevention interventions
- that will facilitate initiatives to reduce inequalities in suicidal behaviours.
Click here for a list of the suicide prevention research projects currently funded by Te Pou.
Suicide in New Zealand
Suicide is a serious public health problem for New Zealanders of all ages. Over their lifetime, 15.7 percent of New Zealanders will report an experience of suicidal ideation, 5.5 percent will make a suicide plan and 4.5 percent will attempt suicide (Oakley Browne et al 2006).
In June 2006, the Government launched the New Zealand Suicide Prevention Strategy 2006-2016. The strategy outlines a high-level framework to:
- reduce the rate of suicide and suicidal behaviour
- reduce the harmful effect and impact associated with suicide and suicidal behaviour on families/whanau, friends and the wider community
- reduce inequalities in suicide and suicidal behaviour.
As a result, the New Zealand Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2008-2012 has been developed to translate the goals of the strategy into action. The action plan is the Government's statement of how the strategy will be implemented over the next five years. It will:
- provide a uniform set of evidence-based directions to guide suicide prevention activities
- help identify where new investment is needed
- assist those involved in suicide prevention to work more closely together to gain a common understanding of where they fit within the overall spectrum of suicide prevention.
Useful links
Ministry of Health Suicide Prevention Website
Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand (SPINZ)
SPINZ Twitter page
US National Institute for Mental Health Suicide Prevention work
Selection of 2010 Suicide prevention events
For more information
Contact Jenny Long, Te Pou
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Page last updated: 2 February 2010