Up to 11 people die every week from suicide in New Zealand.
St John paramedic Scott Weatherall, of Brighton, is putting cogs in motion to try to change that statistic.
The keen mountain biker took part in many mountain-biking events during the summer, including the Deans Bank ride in Wanaka, the Taieri Mouth Coastal Classic and the Motutapu event - all while wearing a cycling top raising awareness of suicide and the Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust.
The trust aims to reduce the rate of suicide and suicidal behaviour by promoting suicide prevention strategies, providing community education and support, raising awareness and providing bereavement support.
‘‘As a paramedic, I go to a number of people who are having acute mental health challenges, and may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or have attempted suicide - that's the end of the road.
‘‘I thought ‘how can I turn that around and have some sense of input into prevention measures, and communicate in a positive way?'.''
Mr Weatherall said he got into mountain-bike riding a couple of years ago. He noticed many riders wore cycling tops with messages on them to raise awareness of various organisations.
‘‘I kind of thought, well, I'm doing a bit of training, I'm doing events, and it's quite a positive way for me, as a paramedic, to connect with some of the people I work with.''
So now, while at cycling events, he helps raise awareness of the trust by having its logo on his cycling top.
‘‘It might not necessarily catch the attention of a person directly challenged by mental health issues, but it may catch the attention of a third person who is aware of someone that needs help from the trust.''
Mr Weatherall is preparing for his last race of the season, the Contact Epic Mountain Bike Ride this Saturday, which consists of a 125km ride around Lake Hawea.
‘‘This is the climax of what I've been working towards. It's the biggest of all the races I've done.
‘‘For me, it will be a huge psychological challenge in its own right,'' he said.
‘‘And I'll probably have a sore bum after that one.''
Mr Weatherall said he hoped to continue riding and raising awareness of the trust next summer.
In the meantime, he is organising other events to help raise awareness of the trust, including bringing New Zealand comedian Mike King to Dunedin in late May to present some public information evenings about mental-health challenges.
Where to get help
Depression Helpline (8am-midnight): 0800 111-757.
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828-865.
