Suicide prevention project to launch

July 06, 2011

A suicide prevention pilot project will start in North District and its surrounding areas this month.
 
Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung told lawmakers today the Social Welfare Department has commissioned the University of Hong Kong to conduct the project.
 
It mainly targets people aged 15 to 24, and people with suicidal tendencies.
 
Mr Cheung said the project will boost suicide-prevention awareness through public education and publicity, and review the efficacy of various suicide-prevention measures.
 
With the application of a geographic information system for analysing and identifying areas and groups with a higher suicide risk, community-based collaborative networks will be formed to mobilise community resources to provide educational, supportive and counselling services for the vulnerable to prevent suicide.
 
The Government will maintain close liaison with the research team to monitor and follow up on the project, Mr Cheung added.