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Leader's LetterMarch 2004
Youth Suicide ConcernsIT HAS BEEN an extremely busy start to the year with so many issues facing youth at this time with getting back to school, university courses and other study or training. All of the cases I have been working on indicate that this can become a very stressful time for young people and their families. Looking for a job is also extremely difficult for youth who are trying to create a sense of purpose and direction for themselves and also to play their part in contributing to their community. A big issue that is still of major concern to me is that of youth suicide. On average nearly one youth suicide is occurring every week, somewhere in New Zealand. Most young people are equipped with the attitudes and aptitudes to deal with the pressures that life brings. However for some the challenges are too bewildering to cope with. Levels of youth suicide are too high and there is too much harm caused by risk taking and substance abuse. This is a vital issue and must take priority with the Government. Instead it spends $1.7 million dollars per year on policy advice for the Youth Affairs Ministry and only spends $460,000 per year on a Youth Suicide Prevention Hotline. A review of spending priorities is urgently needed! Craig McNair MP
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