World Suicide Prevention Day will be marked in Dunedin tomorrow with a candle-lighting ceremony, a kapa haka performance, and a panel of guest speakers.
The Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust has organised the event at the Glenroy Auditorium at 1pm. Chairwoman Corinda Taylor said the theme was "connect, communicate, care".
"We aim to include everyone and give voice to people who have lost loved ones to suicide or who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or struggling to get access to services.
"We will also project a slideshow with photos of our loved ones lost to suicide," Mrs Taylor said.
Keynote speaker is Chris Bowden, a lecturer in the School of Education at Victoria University whose research interests include suicide bereavement and men’s mental health.
The other speakers are Southern District Health Board mental health medical director Brad Strong, University of Otago student Tyrin Tutaki, Janine Joyce, and Sid Taylor.
Where to get help
Lifeline: 0800 543-354
Depression Helpline (8am-midnight): 0800 111-757
Healthline: 0800 611-116
Samaritans: 0800 211-211
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828-865
Youthline: 0800 376-633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
Rural Support Trust: 0800 787-254
