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Landline telephone - Source: ONE News -
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A suicide prevention organisation says the suspension of Mensline is a loss of a much needed specialist men's health service.
The telephone help line is being suspended because of a lack of funding.
Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand director Merryn Stratham says she would like to see all services that are responsive to people's needs, stay open.
Stratham hopes the suspension of the service creates an opportunity for people to discuss how they could collaborate and share resources across helplines.
Health Ministry figures show 77% of the 483 people who committed suicide in 2007 were men.
Stratham says there isn't a culture among men to seek help. She says rather than a courageous and good survival manoeuvre, many men see asking for help as a very difficult and challenging thing to do.
Lifeline chief executive Peter Jansen says there is no longer the funding available, but men will still be able to call the 24 hour, 7 day a week Lifeline service. He says many men in trouble prefer to talk to other men and he hopes the funding will be restored soon.
Jansen says the funding needed is in the tens of thousands of dollars and the service needs an ongoing funding commitment.
The closure of the dedicated helpline for men has got the Wigram MP up in arms. Jim Anderton says Mensline is deliberately targeted at, and designed for, men who have higher suicide rates than women. He says the Minister of Health should step in ensure Mensline is retained.
