The $7300 raised, through the sale of tickets and the contribution by Crusaders management, will go towards Lives Worth Living programmes such as Waves, a post-suicide programme to start in February, and to the development and implementation of a best-practice prevention programme due to start in March.
It will allow a prevention programme, aiming to help people at the top of the cliff, rather than at the bottom, and can be tailored to all situations and groups whether it is farmers, students or elderly people.
Lives Worth Living is a part of Safer Mid Canterbury.
Lives Worth Living co-ordinator Pup Chamberlain likened the prevention programme to being the mental wellness equivalent that first-aid training gave to physical needs.
He said it could be used by anyone dealing with people and in situations often hidden from public view.
In the rural community that could include rural leaders, visitors to farms or anyone from contractors to milk tanker drivers.
He was ‘‘tickled pink’’with the publicity and funding offered through the Super Rugby pre-season rugby game in Ashburton earlier this month.
He said while those who received brochures may not need assistance, it was likely they or someone in their circle of family or friends would know of someone in the community who might.
‘‘We are all going to be, at some stage, up and down and need some help,’’ he said.
‘‘Some will need expert help but others need help from others around them.’’
