Tuesday, November 02, 2004

Mental health support lacking, says critic (New Zealand)
Wairarapa Times story - "The spate of suicides in Wairarapa in recent weeks is largely due to the prolonged delay in establishing a good sound mental health policy that could provide quality back-up to at-risk people, Masterton man Peter Teahan said yesterday. Mr Teahan said for those who have attempted suicide and for the family of those who have died, it is equally tragic, and he is aware of cases where people have been left to carry on life without the appropriate support. ... Mr Teahan is an outspoken critic of the lack of social services support through his 25 years experience of fostering children with his wife..."