Raising awareness and hope while working to prevent suicide

As we count down to World Suicide Prevention Day this Wednesday, Lifeline Aotearoa is highlighting the value of open and honest conversations and of reaching out for help and support.

The theme of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is changing the narrative around suicide.

“It’s about transforming silence, stigma and misunderstanding into openness, empathy and support – something the Lifeline Aotearoa team does day in and day out 365 days a year by supporting people in crisis,” says Shaun Greaves, Chief Executive of Lifeline.

“Every life matters - and Lifeline saves lives, so World Suicide Prevention Day is a bittersweet day for Lifeline. The lives of those the team has helped save are very much on our minds, as are the many New Zealanders who have lost their lives or gone through the heartbreak and sorrow of losing a loved one to suicide.”

In support of World Suicide Prevention Day, Lifeline is inviting people to get up early to show they care by participating in its fundraiser, For the Dawn. People are invited to either donate, hold their own fundraising event or come to an early morning Auckland dance event at Okahu.

Office Products Depot will generously match every dollar donated to Lifeline on Wednesday, 10 September, up to the value of $20,000.

If someone you love is struggling, there are five things we can all do to help prevent suicide:

1. Call 111 if someone is in the process of taking their own life.
2. If someone says or you suspect that they are suicidal, take it seriously. Stay in the moment. Don’t play it down, joke about it or belittle them.
3. Listen without judgment. It can take a huge amount of courage to share how someone really feels, especially if they feel ashamed or whakamā about how they are feeling or what has happened.
4. Let them know you care, as by the time people reach this point, they are often convinced no one does.
5. Stay beside them and encourage them to reach out for support. Be there with them to make the call to reach out for help and support.

Greaves says Lifeline receives no government funding and is reliant on the support of donors to keep its phone and text service going.

“We are grateful for the support of both individuals and organisations. Every dollar helps answer a call – and potentially save a life.”

To get involved, visit www.forthedawn.org.nz.