The city's first group of volunteers dedicated to providing psychological help to failed suicides have been receiving professional training since the beginning of the month, the Shanghai Youth Daily reported.

Among the 30 participants in the training class, 20 are volunteers. After completing four classes, they will become the first group of suicide counsellors to work in the hospital.

Of these 30 people, 10 are emergency treatment doctors and psychological consultants. Another 20 are staff from local enterprises who have graduated from medical schools.

Their work is to help those who survive suicide attempts.

Statistics show about 1 per cent of people who fail to commit suicide make a successful repeat attempt. The reasons leading to suicide include problems connected to finance, love, society and family.

Shan Huaihai, a doctor at the Xuhui District Mental Health Centre, said people who failed in suicide attempts urgently needed psychological intervention. Presently, however, most professional psychologists work in mental health centres in particular districts, while only a few are available to serve in comprehensive hospitals.

Experts said volunteers might be more amiable then emergency treatment doctors.

(Shanghai Star August 18, 2004)