Raising awareness on suicide
‘‘It is dark and scary - suicide is a very serious issue. ’’
Removing the social stigma of suicide is the goal for a community group in Glen Innes.
Mad Ave Community Trust’s Tamati Patuwai says the group’s learned from their men’s mental health programmes that people are often afraid of talking about suicide.
‘‘It is dark and scary - suicide is a very serious issue,’’ Patuwai says.
‘‘Which is why we wanted to have not just an event, but a fun event that will open up the conversation about suicide and its prevention in our Glen Innes community.’’
The group came up with True Colours - a fun run event taking place at Pt England Reserve from noon on October 29.
‘‘We had a men’s mental health programme that identified suicide as a critical issue in our community.
‘‘Maori and Pacific Islanders are a part of the suicide statistics in New Zealand and that is just sad to see.
‘‘Because Glen Innes is predominantly Maori and Pacific, we felt that we needed to do something now, not later.’’
True Colours is a way to engage the community through a fun and safe avenue, Patuwai says.
‘‘We wanted to have an event that still holds the integrity of suicide prevention and awareness but create a way that people can enter the conversation safely and happily too.’’
Patuwai says people that wish to be a part of True Colours are required to dress in white clothing before they attempt a threelap course around Pt England Park.
Towards the end of the course, everyone will be showered with coloured powder.
‘‘We’re mixing fun into this. Coloured powder signifies that there will be transformation together as a community.’’
Patuwai says phone numbers to suicide helplines will be handed out at the event to anyone that needs it.
‘‘It’s not a day about suicide stories but celebrating the community.
‘‘Underneath that is supporting suicide prevention so we open conversations up, saying that it’s normal to feel bad but there is support out there, and we love you.’’ WHERE TO GET HELP 24/7 Lifeline 0800 543 354, Depression Helpline 0800 111 757, Healthline 0800 611 116, Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).