Deaths Prompt Suicide Seminar (Press, 24 May 1989)

A seminar addressing drug taking and suicide among Ashburton’s youth is set to be led by a crisis-intervention team from Christchurch. Scheduled for the weekend, the event will involve doctors, psychiatrists, police, parents, and representatives from the local youth centre. This initiative follows the recent suicide of a 16-year-old boy, marking the second tragedy of its kind in just six weeks, highlighting the growing concerns in the community. Michael Aitken, the co-ordinator of the Christchurch team, will join social worker Jenny Prentice to facilitate discussions prompted by serious issues, including disturbing trends in drug use and suicidal behaviour among teenagers in the area. The police and Health Department have extended their support for the seminar. The youth centre manager, Errol Findlay, indicated that this year alone has seen three suicides linked to troubling behaviours such as unusual drug consumption, including young people experimenting with injecting coffee and yeast for a high, as well as trading sexual favours for drugs. Findlay described a pervasive culture among older youths aged 18 to 27 who are influencing younger teenagers into dangerous drug-related activities, leading to severe consequences such as prostitution to afford drugs. Amidst these grave issues, police have opted not to comment, while the Coroner, Laurence Cooney, has placed restrictions on publicising details surrounding a possible suicide pact among a group of friends. However, parents of at-risk teens have been vocal about their concerns. One mother expressed frustration at the lack of counselling services in the area, stating she has struggled to find help for her child, especially highlighting the barriers some face in accessing detox services. The recent suicides are further compounded by the belief among some teenagers that they are under the influence of supernatural forces, with reports of involvement in seances following one of the tragedies. Another parent, Brian Box, shared his dismay over the situation, describing the collective experiences of families as a "nightmare." He lamented the uncertainty and fear surrounding what might motivate young people in distress, especially regarding their mental health and the availability of support systems. Together, these developments reveal deep-rooted challenges in Ashburton concerning the youth's mental health and substance abuse, prompting urgent community dialogue and action to address the alarming trends affecting young people's lives. The seminar aims to shed light on these critical issues and foster a supportive environment for those affected.

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