Tough times for Teen Suicide Prevention Week initiative
JOBURG - The South African Depression and Anxiety Group’s Teen Suicide Prevention Week initiative this year comes at a time when the group may soon cease to exist due to a funding crisis for their helpline.
Jack Bloom, the Democratic Alliance Gauteng Shadow Health MEC said the group is struggling to pay the monthly telephone bill which costs between R40 000 and R60 000 for the group’s 24 hour toll-free line.
The Teen Suicide Prevention Week annual awareness drive kicked off on 14 February and ends on 21 February.
The group has been identified as a major lifeline in combating teen suicide and is responsible for assisting with calls from the national toll-free Suicide Crisis Line, which takes many calls from teens who are calling for themselves or on behalf of a friend.
According to research conducted by the group, nine percent of all teen deaths are caused by suicide. “Their suicide hotline cannot be allowed to fail because of a loss of funds,” said Democratic Alliance Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, Jack Bloom, who has lobbied for sponsors and volunteers to help with the group’s financial predicament.
Discovery has since pledged R1 million to Sadag.
Donations can be made through the group’s website.
Details: www.sadag.org
