The suicide prevention line for children and teenagers in Bucharest

Suicide is one of the leading causes of teenagers's deaths. Even whether it is preventable, most of the time, there are still very few projects or actions of the local authorities and/ or organisations in Romania, due to the lack of information and resources. The suicide prevention line for children and teenagers in Bucharest is presented and evaluated after five years of activity. It may be considered one example of good practises, since it managed to put together local knowledge, human resources and social actors. The suicide prevention line for children and teenagers in Bucharest has been established in 2009 by The General Directorate of Social Wellfare of Bucharest Municipality, in partnership with The Psychiatric Hospital Prof. dr. Alexandru Obregia. The finances are provided by the Wellfare Department, the location belongs to the Psychiatric Hospital and the mental health services are coordinated by a MD, specialized in Psychiatry. There are about 30 volunteers taking the phone calls 24/7. Since 2011, they established the Association of Suicidology.