Having two high-profile people visit Central Otago this month talking about their experiences with depression and how they turned their lives around is a real coup for the district, those involved in a suicide prevention trust say.
Entertainer Mike King shared his experiences earlier this month at a public meeting in Alexandra and then spoke to high school pupils in the district, while former All Black and mental health ambassador Sir John Kirwan will be doing the same tomorrow in Alexandra.
The newly formed Otago Suicide Prevention Trust has arranged the presentations by both men.
The cost of Mr King's visit was covered by a private donation and Sir John's trip is being funded by Westpac; he is a Westpac ambassador.
''After the trust was formed, we looked at people we believed would deliver a good message to our community about depression and suicide prevention and both these men were at the top of our list,'' trustee Ian Kerrisk, of Alexandra, said.
''We're thrilled to have people of this stature, people as well-known as them, who have had depression and worked through it, sharing their experiences with our community.
"Their message will resonate strongly, especially with younger people in the community, who will realise that even famous people can struggle, and it's OK to ask for help,'' Mr Kerrisk said.
Suicide was no longer the taboo subject it once was, he said.
The aim of the trust was to encourage the community to speak more openly about the subject and ensure people understood it was to ask for help.
The trust was launched in July and evolved from a series of meetings in the wider Central Otago area on the topic of suicide prevention.
It works alongside Central Otago Life Matters, which was set up last year to form a district-wide strategy for suicide prevention.
A word with Sir John Kirwan, Thursday, September 25, 12.30pm-2.30pm, Alexandra Bowling Club rooms, Molyneux Park.
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
