![Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust member Denise Kent (left) and trust chairwoman Corinda Taylor, both of Dunedin, stand outside Parliament in Wellington after speaking to a select committee about the need for an inquiry into the mental health system y](https://www.odt.co.nz/sites/default/files/styles/odt_landscape_extra_large_4_3/public/story/2017/05/lifematters_2_of_4.jpg?itok=046nHpf7)
Yesterday Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust chairwoman Corinda Taylor and trust member Denise Kent spoke to a public health select committee session in Wellington about the need for an immediate review of mental health care in New Zealand.
Mrs Taylor's son Ross (20) took his life in 2013.
Yesterday's session went ''really well'', Mrs Taylor said.
''Andrew Little said he would work across party lines to bring about a nation-wide inquiry.''
Other people at the session also indicated their support for an inquiry, she said.
The inquiry was needed because of the lack of basic care for mentally unwell New Zealanders, including brief intervention and talking therapies, as well as failings in acute mental health treatment.
The pair spoke on behalf of about 2000 people who signed a petition calling on the Government to launch an immediate inquiry into the sector.
The pair presented the petition to Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox in November.
Last month, a report released by the Health and Disability Commissioner's office criticised the help Ross Taylor received while in the care of the Southern District Health Board.
The report found the SDHB and the treating psychiatrist both breached the patients' rights code by failing to provide services with reasonable care and skill.
In a statement responding to the report, Mrs Taylor said her family hoped the report would encourage ''better outcomes for people seeking care in general but in particular young people like their son and brother''.
The Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust would maintain the pressure on the Government until an inquiry into the mental health system happened, Mrs Taylor said.
Where to get help
Lifeline: 0800 543-354
Depression Helpline (8am-midnight): 0800 111-757
Healthline: 0800 611-116
Samaritans: 0800 211-211
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828-865
Youthline: 0800 376-633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
Rural Support Trust: 0800 787-254