‘People care’ project launched
People do care. That is the message Ben Atkinson and Stuart Henley-Minchington want to get across with their Project 71 sessions held in Cathedral Square, Christchurch, this week.
The name Project 71 comes from the latest suicide statistics. Of the 668 people who died by suicide in New Zealand in 2017-18, 485, or 71 per cent, were male.
Atkinson and HenleyMinchington are not mental health professionals, but they wanted to do something to help people open up about their mental health, particularly men.
‘‘I lost a friend previously, and I know many people in my friend circle that struggle with this kind of stuff,’’ Atkinson said. ‘‘It’s just about letting them know that people do care, and there are people available.’’
They came up with the idea on January 31 and launched a Facebook page for the project on February 3. By Sunday, the page had 2500 likes, and with that, numerous offers of free services.
‘‘People genuinely want to do what they can, wherever they can, to make a difference,’’ Atkinson said.
From Monday to Friday there will be a series of talks, workshops and training sessions based out of a gazebo in the square. There will also be resources provided by organisations working in mental health.
Among the featured activities, all of which are provided for free, are a talk by Fush restaurant owner Anton Matthews, a boxing class, guitar lessons, and haircuts by Benny’s Barber Shop.
Atkinson said the site would also be a casual place for people to come and hang out. ‘‘We really just want people to feel comfortable and that there is no expectation to talk. It’s really about connecting with people and seeing what’s available.’’
The full Project 71 itinerary is available on the Facebook page.
WHERE TO GET HELP
1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
Lifeline – 0800 543 354.