Suicide initiative

The Mates Men's Network, a charity group aimed at suicide prevention, is coming to Central Otago.

The group made a submission to the Central Otago District Council through the long-term plan process asking for between $1000 and $5000 to establish in the area.

Trust representative Kym McDonald, of Alexandra, told the council the trust would set up a group to give men a place where they could talk about issues, develop networks and be referred to mental health professionals if needed.

The trust's submission said the rate of suicide was concerning and it was more likely to happen to males than females.

The trust said it had been operating a pilot programme in the Taranaki region for more than two years with "tremendous results and enormous social impact, as lives have been saved, male role models created after finding hope and new direction and great community support has developed".

Ms McDonald said four groups were now operating in the Taranaki region, with another in Christchurch.

The Central Otago council declined to provide funding but the group still intends setting up in Central Otago and is investigating other funding options.

 

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