The committee of local people is holding the inaugural Erin Green Memorial Horse Ride on Waitangi Weekend, Saturday, February 7.
Horse Ride
What: Erin Green Memorial Horse Ride
Where: Meet at Victoria Park, Kaitangata; bring picnic lunch
When: Waitangi Weekend, 10am, Saturday, February 7
How: Register at eringreen.memorialride@gmail.com
The ride commemorates Erin, whose mother Joanne said, "My daughter tried to get help. After her passing we found an email that was sent on the Monday saying we will get back to you soon, we are just trying to find the right person for you. They never made any more contact with her between that Monday and the Saturday ..."
She did everything right and somehow it still went wrong, like it does for so many others.
New Zealand has one of the most severe rates of suicide in the world but how do we fix this overwhelmed system? We get proactive! No one’s perfect and even the experts get it wrong sometimes, but the most important part is that we try to educate ourselves to be able to help those in need.
The funds raised through the trail ride will support groups and programmes working towards counselling and suicide prevention in the area, as there are limited resources available in South Otago.
Immediacy and availability of suicide intervention services are critical in preventing the worst from happening. It’s about knowing and recognising the red flags, listening to your gut, and acting when you feel something is wrong. Losing a loved one is devastating and final — there’s no going back — so don’t be afraid to take action.
Come join us on Waitangi Weekend, February 7, and don’t forget your coins as there will be a sausage sizzle on the day.
Mental Health Foundation NZ advice says there are warning signs family and friends can look out for:
● Telling you or others they want to kill themselves.
● Talking about feeling hopeless, or having no reason to live, or being a burden to others.
● Expressing feelings of isolation, loneliness, hopelessness, or loss of self-esteem, or dwelling on problems.
● Withdrawing from whānau, friends or colleagues.
● Being unproductive, increasing absenteeism from work or school, or having difficulty completing tasks or focusing.
● Showing changes in behaviour, such as restlessness, irritability, recklessness, or aggression, or having difficulty sleeping.
● Displaying uncharacteristic anger.
● Heavy use of alcohol or other substances.
● Giving away possessions or pets, paying back debts or "tying up loose ends", or suddenly buying life insurance.
● Speaking about arranging end-of-life personal affairs, such as making a will or having concrete plans for suicide.
● Suddenly seemingly calm or happy after being depressed or suicidal.
● Some people who feel suicidal may try to hide what they are going through or pretend they are OK as a way of protecting others.
Need help?
● Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
● Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7).
● Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
● Healthline: 0800 611 116. To contact your local mental health crisis assessment team.
