Two mental health advocates are at loggerheads over last week’s announcement to abolish the Office of Suicide Prevention as part of the Department of Health’s cost-cutting proposals.
In response to the announcement, mental health advocate Mike King supported abolishing the office, saying it was “just another layer of bureaucracy funded by central government. The government is simply passing it on and cutting tickets along the way.”
“The Office of Suicide Prevention hasn’t done anything since its inception, so it won’t go unnoticed. The fact is that people outside the office don’t know what they’re doing, what their budget is, what they’ve accomplished. A simple question arises: Where is the suicide prevention plan for the next decade?”
Mr King is the founder of I Am Hope, an organization that helps rangatahi deal with mental health.
His foundation is set to receive $6 million in funding each year as part of the government’s coalition negotiations.
But another mental health advocate, Jazz Thornton, disagrees with King’s views and is disappointed by his comments about abolishing the Office of Suicide Prevention.
“I think it’s clear that Mike King didn’t understand, didn’t see, didn’t take the time to look at the impact it was having. It’s about implementing the action plan that has been developed by the people, the people you advocate alongside the experts, and the whānau who have lost people.
“Mike and I have completely different approaches. I collaborate and work with different organizations and charities. I see value in what we can do in different places.”
King said if the office were to close, funds could be redirected to other grassroots organizations where they could “make real change.”
Department of Health Deputy Secretary Robin Shearer said the department remains committed to suicide prevention and has assured Mental Health Minister Matt Doocy of that.
Mr. Doocy publicly expressed his hope that the Suicide Prevention Office would remain open, but Mr. Shearer responded, “We are working with the Minister on a solution,” which is expected to be implemented early this week. .
“We accept that we did not adequately brief the Minister for Mental Health on the proposed changes. The Department regrets the confusion this has caused.”
Where to get help:
Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (Help) (24/7)
Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (24 hours)
Youth Services: (06) 3555 906
Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234.
For updates: Call us on 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or web chat (11am to 10:30pm).
Depression Helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (24/7).
Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737
In an emergency, if you feel you or someone else is in danger, please call 111.
