Gisborne’s Town Clock will be lit up in yellow from Friday night until September 14 as a vivid reminder of World Suicide Prevention Day on Tuesday, September 10.
It is an annual initiative supported by Gisborne District Council and Mates of Tairāwhiti — the not-for-profit workplace-based suicide prevention programme.
“Every day there is an alternative to suicide. By sharing this beacon of hope we want to remind people that together we can help prevent suicide in our communities,” Mates of Tairāwhiti chair Tim Marshall said.
“This also shines a light on the local organisations that provide essential information and help. We encourage people who need support to reach out.”
Lighting up the clock has an added significance this year as the original idea came from the late Tuta Ngarimu.
“Tuta, who achieved so much for suicide awareness in our region, thought we should do this to draw attention to World Suicide Prevention Day,” Marshall said. “Back in 2021, when the country was still experiencing the devastating impacts of Covid-19, he approached Mates of Tairāwhiti and the council. Together we made it happen.
“After Tuta’s sudden passing last October, we are also turning the clock yellow for him. It’s a chance to remember his incredible legacy and acknowledge his whānau and all those he worked with and for.”
The 2024 theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is Changing the Narrative on Suicide, and the call to action is Start the Conversation.
The theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.
“Reflecting the importance of having these honest conversations, Mates of Tairāwhiti’s programme teaches participants to recognise colleagues who might be at risk of suicide, how to ask if they’re okay and how to connect them with appropriate help,” Mates of Tairāwhiti facilitator Bridgette Penny said.
“The training usually takes place onsite at your workplace and can be presented to any size group. We’ve trained nearly 3000 people across Tairāwhiti and encourage anyone interested in finding out more to contact us directly via matesoftairawhiti.nz”
Following on from multiple severe weather events and other tragedies that have hit the region, Mates of Tairāwhiti has also introduced Mates Mana. This is a one-hour stress management and self-care training workshop. Participants learn how to identify stress triggers, develop coping mechanisms and establish healthy self-care habits.
Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz says she and the wider council are proud to support World Suicide Prevention Day and the efforts of Mates of Tairāwhiti.
“The region has been hit hard in recent years and it is important everyone knows there is support out there for them,” she said.
“We each have a responsibility to look out for our mates, encourage them to seek help if they need it and be there to listen without judgment.”
In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, Mates of Tairāwhiti will be running a free community session of Mates Mana in the coming weeks. Details will be available soon.
Where to get help
●World Suicide Prevention Day: who.int/campaigns/world-suicide-prevention-day/
●Local workplace-based suicide prevention programme: matesoftairawhiti.nz
●Need to talk? Call or text 1737
●Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
●Kidsline: 0800 543 754
●Lifeline: 0800 LIFELINE
●Samaritans: 0800 72 66 66
●Rural Support: 0800 787 254
●Healthline: 0800 611 116
Tairāwhiti-based support
●Te Whare o te Rito: Infant, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (ICAMHS) — 06 869-0541, 421 Ormond Rd, Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5pm
●Te Whare Oranga: Community Mental Health & Addictions — 0800-999-014 — (06) 869-2097
●Tangata Rite: 110 Peel St, Gisborne — Mon-Fri, 8am-4.30pm
●Te Waharoa: 06 868-3550, 26 Peel St, Gisborne (opposite Library) — Mon-Fri, 8.30am-4pm
●Tauawhi Men’s Centre: 0800-120-072 or 06 868-8278, 71 Peel St, Gisborne, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm
●Needing support and live between Anaura Bay and Potaka, contact Ngāti Porou Hauora Te Oranga Hinengaro (Mental Health) — 06 864-6803, Mon-Fri, 8am-4.30pm
●Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti Crisis Team: 0800-243-500 (24/7)
IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL 111
●If you would like to donate to the Suicide Prevention Fund, set up by Derek and Rebecca Watson, go to sunrisefoundation.org.nz and to the Special Interest Funds sub-section located in the Sunrise Funds section at the top of the home page.
0 comment
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Read and post comments with a
Newsroom Pro subscription.
Subscribe now to start a free
28-day trial.