Mum slams DHB move on suicide

DISGUST: Tony Ryan, who lost her son Sam to suicide, says axing of the DHB's suicide prevention co-ordinator is the result of cost cutting.

A Masterton mother who lost her teenage son to suicide is disgusted Wairarapa DHB axed its suicide prevention co-ordinator role at a time when the region has the third highest suicide rate in the country.

Toni Ryan knows all too well the importance of the role of co-ordinator - a position last filled by Jane Mills - after the sudden death of her 16-year-old son in June 2011.

"When Sam was suicidal he was my child and I loved him," she said.

"If I knew then what I know now, my son would still be alive. It's about getting our community to have those tools before they need them, which is why it's so vital that we have someone in that prevention role."

The previous suicide prevention co-ordinator was full-time and had "already handed in his notice" about the same time as the death of her son, who was one of four Wairarapa teenagers who took their own lives during a period from June to September in 2011.

"Jane Mills was next to take over the position but hers was only a part-time role. And now we don't even have that."

Chief Coroner Judge Deborah Marshall last week released suicide statistics for 2014-15 and the Wairarapa Times-Age found in a comparative examination that Wairarapa has the third highest suicide rate in the country per 100,000 people.

Sixty-one people had taken their own lives in Wairarapa since 2007, nine of these in the past year alone, the statistics revealed.

Mrs Ryan said the latest statistics were alarming and she believed it would be "a waiting game to see if our DHB respond to having the third highest rate in New Zealand or whether they choose to just be happy that they're not the highest. It's just about money, and I know that sounds wrong and selfish, but that's why we don't have a co-ordinator now."

She said that after the spate of deaths a public meeting was called, a short-term Rangitaane o Wairarapa iwi hotline was established, and a "postvention" committee was set up in Wairarapa.

"Unfortunately as soon as the great numbers in a short period stopped, so did that committee, because the attitude tended to be: well nobody's killing themselves, so we don't need it," she said.

Lifeline regional manager Sue Hilliard said it was appalling Wairarapa DHB had "pulled the plug" on the suicide prevention co-ordinator role at such a crucial time.

"Wairarapa DHB has not had a suicide prevention coordinator for months now and it's quite a pertinent issue," she said.

"It really needs to be addressed locally by the DHB. It's appalling and I'm in the process of liaising with them now."

Jenny Fleury, mental health nurse and acting chairwoman for the Wairarapa Suicide Prevention Group, said the absence of a suicide prevention co-ordinator was difficult for suicide prevention organisations in the region.

"There is a gap without a co-ordinator," she said. "It's a challenge in itself not having one, but all of us involved in the group have persevered and are committed to continuing and carrying on the work that the group has achieved so far."

She said Mrs Mills established the group, which meets every six weeks, and generally brings together 15 or so local organisations.

Wairarapa DHB spokeswoman Jan McLaren confirmed the role of suicide prevention co-ordinator had been "dissolved" but no reason could be given for the change before this edition's deadline.

"The Wairarapa DHB is absolutely committed to doing everything it can to reduce the incidence of suicide in our community, but this must be with the support and partnership of all of the government agencies, community leaders, iwi, and local communities."

Where to get help:
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (4pm to 6pm weekdays)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• The Word
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• CASPER Suicide Prevention
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.