''We want to build on that and let people know who they can contact for help and what support there is out there for them,'' Julie Duffy said yesterday.
Mrs Duffy, who is Otago regional manager for Casper (Community Action on Suicide Prevention, Education and Research), highlighted the matter last year.
She said her only child, Craig, took his life on December 20, 2012, the day after his 21st birthday, and she and husband John continued to search for answers.
Mrs Duffy and Central Otago funeral director Janice Millis, both of Alexandra, organised a series of suicide prevention meetings in Cromwell, Alexandra, Wanaka, Ranfurly, Wanaka and Queenstown in September. Since then, a group has been formed to look at forming a district-wide strategy for suicide prevention.
The group, called Central Otago Life Matters, has about 30 members, including police, health authorities, counsellors, mental health officials and individuals.
Group chairman Greg Dobson, of Alexandra, said community awareness was vital when it came to suicides - ''they are preventable and we need to educate the community, get their buy-in, arm them with information''.
One way was to hold workshops at workplaces, community groups or schools, teaching people to be alert for the signs of suicide, how to tell someone was at risk and how to act on that.
Four Central Otago people had been trained to run the workshops and anyone could ask about hosting such a seminar, Mr Dobson said.
Central Otago police sub-area supervisor Senior Sergeant Ian Kerrisk said police were ''fully on board'' with any measures taken to try to cut the suicide rate.
''From a policing perspective, we're regularly dealing with people in the community who are struggling. More information and more awareness in the community about places for support can only be a good thing,'' Snr Sgt Kerrisk said.
Mrs Duffy said suicide was far-reaching, affecting a wide network of friends and workmates, and it was important all those people knew there was support available for them.
The meeting planned in May would be informal and there would be time for questions and to chat informally with the speakers over a cup of tea afterwards, she said.
The speakers include Prof Roger Mulder, the head of psychological medicine at the University of Otago, based in Christchurch.
He will talk on the latest research, how to manage and recognise the risk of suicide and practical action communities can take to prevent suicide.
The suicide prevention co-ordinator with the Southern District Health Board and Public Health South, Paul Martin, will speak about his role and the development and implementation of a suicide action plan for the wider region.
Suicide Prevention Awareness evening, May 19, 7pm, the Cellar Door, Alexandra.
Where to seek help
Lifeline: 0800 543-354
Depression Helpline (8am to midnight): 0800 111-757
Healthline: 0800 611-116
Youthline: 0800 376-633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
