Whangarei woman touched by suicide organises awareness rally in Cafler Park

A Whangarei woman who has been affected by suicide has organised an event in the city to provide a positive environment to get the talk started on reducing Northland's shocking suicide numbers.

Ashleigh Barchard has organised a suicide awareness event called Choose Life to help support and empower young people.

T he event to be held in Whangarei's Cafler Park is also a fundraiser for the Whangarei Youth Centre, which Ms Barchard said is part of the solution to stopping young Northlanders killing themselves.

In the year ended June 2017 606 people died from suicide - the worst 12-month toll in New Zealand in the past 10 years.

For more information check out The Northern Advocate

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

Or if you need to talk to someone else:

Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7) 
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
Youthline: 0800 376 633 Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)' 
Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm) 
Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
Samaritans 0800 726 666 
Rural Support Trust: 0800 787 254