In the past 10 years, 156 people in New Zealand have died in railway fatalities and 60 more have sustained serious injuries [1]. Whilst not all of these are suicides and exact number of railway suicides are not available in New Zealand, suicidal behaviour is a significant contributor to railway deaths and injuries. In Australia, it estimated that between 150-200 people die by rail suicides per year.
CASA is privileged to be leading the development and delivery of a free national Bereaved by Suicide counselling service on behalf of the Ministry of Health. We know that the loss of a loved one to suicide has a profound effect on those left behind – whānau and family, friends, schools, workplaces and the wider community. Many people bereaved by suicide describe the loss of their loved one as a significant life trauma. Suicide can affect physical, emotional/mental, spiritual and family wellbeing. Support to whānau and family, friends and communities can help reduce these effects and optimise healing.