Suicide prevention research fund

In 2008 the Ministry of Health 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 research contributes 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.

Find out more about the suicide prevention research projects funded by Te Pou and suicide prevention events for 2010.

Suicide in New Zealand

Suicide is a serious public health problem for New Zealanders of all ages. Over their lifetime, 15.7 per cent of New Zealanders will report an experience of suicidal ideation, 5.5 per cent will make a suicide plan and 4.5 per cent will attempt suicide (Oakley Browne, et al. 2006).

In June 2006, the New Zealand 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.

The New Zealand Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2008-2012 was 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

For more information

For further information please contact Sandy Hall, researcher.

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Page last updated: 24 August 2010