Suicide is no longer an unspoken word in Kawerau as the community faces up to the loss of at least 12 young people.
Kawerau mum Michele Elliott, who lost her son Jordan Leigh Gray to suicide in October 2010, said there has been an attitude shift in the community towards suicide.
"We are no longer sweeping it under the carpet, we talk about it and get things done."
Mrs Elliott started a whanau and friends' support group at the beginning of last year for people who had lost loved ones to suicide.
But she said in the time from Jordan's death to the support group starting three more youths took their own lives.
It is understood at least 12 young people from Kawerau committed suicide last year. The official figures for 2011 have not yet been released, but in 2010 three people, understood to be teenagers, killed themselves in Kawerau.
Mrs Elliott said she felt the support group was helping people to accept suicide instead of hiding it.
"I find it really beneficial to talk about it. It's healing.
"Before, families going through it didn't know what to do. So they kept it inside and tended to be very private about it. That's not healing."
The support group has around 22 members from Whakatane, Rotorua, Kawerau and Matata.
"At the time I was looking for support there was nothing available for those of us left behind, so I chose to start up this group," Mrs Elliott says. "I'm living it, I know how they feel. No disrespect to psychologists or counsellors, but often they are paid to know what to say. I just talk about what I know because I can relate to it."
In September last year Kawerau youth organised the Hikoi 4 Lyf, a walk to promote suicide prevention and awareness. Mrs Elliott said the rangatahi wanted to celebrate those who were lost and empower young people to value their lives.
Her father Nelson Rangi said she was now able to help other communities cope with suicide.
"Suicide is a universal issue. We have had a spate in Masterton, where I live, and I believe Michele's support group will be invited to help here soon."
Mrs Elliott said she was interested in supporting any groups who invited her including the solace group which New Zealand Suicide Prevention Trust is starting in Rotorua this year.
For more information on the Kawerau support group contact Michele Elliott, phone 021 117 4468.