Over 400 individuals attended the recent World Suicide Prevention Day ceremony held on Thursday 10 September. The ceremony was held at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Dunedin.
In an event organised by Life Matters, attendees paid tribute to the 569 New Zealanders who died by suicide in the last year.
The event was also held to raise awareness, with the evening’s theme being “Reaching out and saving lives”.
The ceremony featured speeches from representatives of various charities, Otago professors and members of the public paying tribute to loved ones taken by suicide, as well as musical performances.
The evening was opened with a message of hope from Reverend Doctor Trevor James.
“We stand with those who are lost, together as people who grieve and who are fragile, we can live for tomorrow, whatever happens.”
A candle was lit for each person who has taken their own life in New Zealand in the twelve months to May.
Forty-one roses were handed out to those who had lost loved ones to suicide, each one representing someone who died as a result of suicide in the Otago/Southland area.
A key topic of the night was connectedness, which is seen as key to suicide prevention and helping people through dark times.
Reverend Greg Hughson talked about the importance of events that connect people and raise awareness.
“Whoever we are and whatever reason we came, let us tonight reaffirm that life matters and that human life is precious.”
Keynote speaker, Maree Inder, the managing director of Clinical Advisory Services Aotearoa (CASA) and an Otago researcher, also stressed that “social connection is crucial to our wellbeing”.
“Connectedness can be viewed as a common thread to suicide … suicide develops when someone has a perception of not belonging and feeling as if they are a burden on others … The act of showing care or concern to someone feeling vulnerable can be a game changer … reaching out can save lives.”
The event was organised by the Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust. If you or someone you know has been affected by suicide and needs support, the trust can be contacted through their website at www.lifematters.org.nz or by email at lifematters@gmail.com.
Those needing support can also call:
Lifeline on 0800 543 354
and Youthline on 0800 376 633.