Kiritahi Firmin addresses a hui during the launch of a youth suicide prevention initiative.
Kiritahi Firmin addresses a hui during the launch of a youth suicide prevention initiative.
Don't be afraid to ask a mate if they are okay.
That was one of the messages a new Maori focussed youth suicide prevention intiative launched on Friday aims to get across over the next three years.
Kiritahi Firmin of the Kimiora Trust said 579 people ended their lives lastyear, and that Maori featured highly.
"We support everyone - but our own kids are taking their lives. We need a strategy focussed on our own culture," Ms Firmin told a hui held at Whanganui City College.
She asked those present, including representatives from schools and kindred agencies, to share resources and help one another.
"Anything that makes a difference is welcome," Ms Firmin said.
Discussing suicide, especially in schools, was controversial and there were those who thought it should not be openly discussed, Ms Firmin said.
"But we need to encourage people to talk about it. The traditional approach is not working. We can't wrap our kids up in cotton wool - they know more than we might think."
