The rural community is the next focus in a series of talks in Central Otago aimed at lowering suicide rates.
Otago Suicide Prevention Trust chairwoman Janice Millis told the Central Otago District Council this week the series was already having an impact.
The trust hosted visits by Sir John Kirwan and Mike King in September which included public meetings and visits to some Central Otago schools.
''We were told counsellors were busy after those visits - they gave people a voice, a chance to raise the matter, and that's what we wanted,'' Mrs Millis said.
Both men were keen to come back to the area and speak to groups in Queenstown, Wanaka and Roxburgh.
The trust was launched in July and its focus is education, empowerment and support for people in communities working to reduce the impact of suicide.
Mrs Millis outlined the aims of the group to the council and said although the trust started in Central Otago, it planned to cover all Otago.
''Education and prevention goes hand in hand.''
She hoped taking a community approach to the topic of suicide prevention would develop into a template for other communities.
A rural suicide awareness evening will be held in Alexandra on November 21, sponsored by RD Petroleum and Superior Minerals.
Any proceeds will go to the trust. The guest speaker is former assistant All Black coach, Highlanders and Otago rugby coach, Tony Gilbert.
Items will be auctioned to raise funds. The trust also hoped to host Marlborough farmer Doug Avery in March, targeting mental health in rural communities.
''The farming community has been through some stressful times,'' Cr Barrie Wills said. Suicide prevention functions the trust hosted so far this year attracted between 250 and 500 people, Mrs Millis said. Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper said he ''wasn't sure where the council fits in'' but praised the work done by the trust so far. ''Your show of support so far is impressive.''
