Raising teen suicide awareness

Getting on his motorcycle to raise awareness of  the issue of teen suicide is Garry McLennan, of...
Getting on his motorcycle to raise awareness of the issue of teen suicide is Garry McLennan, of Dunedin. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON
More than 150 motorcyclists got on their bikes on Saturday, riding to raise awareness of teen suicide.

The event aimed to highlight the issue of suicide and raise money for a safeTALK programme to happen in Dunedin.

Event organiser and Campus Watch employee Garry McLennan, of Dunedin, said the convoy travelled to Mosgiel and Milton before ending in the Octagon, where members of the public spoke about their experiences with suicide and mental health issues.

The ride was the first one of a large scale and showed how supportive the community could be, he said.

Mr McLennan said the issue was close to his heart, having lost family friends to suicide.

"The statistics in New Zealand for suicide are absolutely shocking.

"This event is a conversation-starter and we want to let people know that help is available."

The $15 registration fee for riders went to fundraising for safeTALK in Dunedin.

The programme is a course which enables participants to become alert to signs of a potential suicide and help those at risk.

Need help?

Need to talk? 1737, free 24/7 phone and text
Healthline: 0800 611-116
Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800 543-354
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828-865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Samaritans: 0800 726-666
General mental health inquiries: 0800 443-366
The Depression Helpline: 0800 111-757

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