The Government is right to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to suicide but all New Zealanders have to take responsibility, says Voices of Hope co-founder Jazz Thornton.



"Zero percent suicide is not reliant on the Government. The Government cannot make that happen - you can," she said.

"Zero percent suicide comes from you picking up the phone and calling a friend rather than ranting on Facebook."

Speaking to Newshub Nation, Thornton praised the $1.9 billion allocated to mental health in Budget 2019, but says it remains to be seen how effectively the money will be spent.

"One point nine billion dollars in terms of mental health and addiction services has been so needed for such a long time. And so seeing the amount has been fantastic and then seeing where they're going to put it has been great, but the devil is in the detail."

Thornton supports the Government's decision to not to adopt a 20 percent suicide reduction target as advised by the mental health inquiry panel, saying it isn't the right measure to affect real change.

"Your target is not suicide reduction, your target is, 'How do we decrease wait lists from nine months to two days? How do we increase help in facilities?'"

The mental health advocate says if there was anything lacking in yesterday's Budget, it was targeted funding for older New Zealanders.

"There's been a massive focus on young people which is very very important. But the reality is the majority of our suicide statistics are middle-aged men."

Thornton says while encouraging Kiwis to open up about their mental health is crucial, it isn't enough.

"One of the biggest misconceptions is that we [only] need to be telling people who are struggling to ask for help... What's more important is that we're offering help without having to be asked."

According to Thornton, meaningful change won't come from the Beehive but collective action by average Kiwis.

"I'm not saying this is someone who is a Labour supporter or a National supporter. But before you go ahead and point the finger at the Government - what are you doing?"

Newshub Nation.



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