Suicide risk team forms

Two prominent government agencies are working with social agencies to help Northland young people identified as high risk of committing suicide.

The collaboration between the Northland District Health Board (NDHB), Child Youth and Family, Ngati Wai, Ngati Hine and Group Special Education Service was announced yesterday.

It follows recent suspected suicides by two 14-year-olds and a warning from a Northland high school to parents to pay special attention to their teenagers' behaviour.

The school sent a letter to parents and caregivers last week informing them of the deaths and encouraging them to help their children work through any emotional pain.

NDHB yesterday said suicide had a devastating effect on families and communities, particularly in Northland, where those connections were far reaching.

The group was identifying young people associated with the recent suicides who may require support, with those requiring further support being referred to the NDHB's Child Adolescent Mental Health Service.

NDHB spokeswoman Paula Martin said the service was re-prioritising its work commitments to enable staff to attend to young people identified as high risk.

"CYFs have brought in additional staff to their Whangarei office, enabling a core group to work along side Ngati Hine and Ngati Wai to work with these young people and their families. Te Waka Whaanui are also involved in working alongside whanau in Whangarei," Ms Martin said.

Most Whangarei high schools have support in place for young people such as guidance counsellors, student centres, and teachers.

The inter-agencies have advised families to keep up normal routines as much as possible as it gives a sense of security.

Families needed to be vigilant when looking after an at-risk person and to be aware of any changes in behaviour such as increased use of alcohol and drugs, increased risk taking, changes in appetite and personality, increased irritability or crying, and giving away of prized possessions.

Cope with suicide

What can families say/do to young people affected by the suicide of a friend/family member?

• 
  Tell all your children - even young ones
• 
  Keep it short and simple; don't over-explain
• 
  Keep it truthful and consistent. Give correct information in a loving, direct and compassionate way
• 
  Use words and phrases they know
• 
  Encourage them to talk about it
• 
  Expect them to process what has happened over a long period
• 
  Reassure. Reassure. Reassure.

For further information, contact the Child Adolescent Mental Health Service on 09 430 4101, ext 8320, CYFs 0508 326 459 or visit your doctor, www.spinz.org.nz www.skylight.org.nz, www.thelowdown.co.nz.