Hearing from the former chief coroner, who believes suicide should be discussed more openly, could prompt Central Otago residents to talk about how the community can help build resilience.
That is one of the aims of the Otago Suicide Prevention Trust, which is hosting Judge Neil MacLean at a meeting in Alexandra tomorrow night. Judge MacLean served for eight years as this country's first chief coroner and retired from the role in February.
He continues to work in the district court as an ACC appeals judge.
''He believes suicide is something that needs to be discussed, and discussed openly,'' trust co-chairman Ian Kerrisk said.
''Traditionally, the topic used to be swept under the carpet and ignored, but now families affected by suicides are saying to us, as a trust, that people want to talk about it and need to be open about it, so they can have the confidence to ask for help and know someone will listen,'' Mr Kerrisk said.
''We hope his address will be the catalyst for talk about how communities can help themselves and others to build up resilience.
''This is a rare opportunity to hear him speak about his work as chief coroner and his views about how we, as a community, can deal with, not just suicides, but bereavement in general.''
During his tenure, the judge was an advocate for more discussion of suicide and the provision of more accurate information about the topic.
The trust, formed last year, was a support group which aimed to enhance and strengthen the services offered by other agencies.
''Over time, the trust has evolved, after getting the signal from the community about resilience, about people who were struggling. What we've found in Central Otago is the message is getting through and people are talking about suicide,'' Mr Kerrisk said.
The address by Judge MacLean will be followed a question and answer session and an informal chat.
• The meeting is at Alexandra Community House on November 26, at 7pm, entry by gold coin donation.
Where to seek help
Lifeline: 0800 543-354
Depression helpline: (8am-midnight): 0800 111- 757
Healthline: 0800 611-116
Youthline: 0800 376-633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.org.nz
