Woman's tragic death prompts awareness event

Jamahl Ellis, Levi Walker-Hughes, Roseanne Walker, Ngahau Poroa, Wahia Walker-Poroa, Urutomo Poroa, Tawhirimatea Robb Te Kiriwai Robb and Denim Poroa. Photo/John Borren

Wahia Walker-Poroa said there were no warning signs before the tragic loss of her little sister just over three months' ago.

"She was the happiest, bubbliest person you would ever know," Miss Walker-Poroa, 25, said.

Her 20-year-old sister Phoenix Walker died of a suspected suicide on May 16 this year, leaving behind her partner and nine-month-old baby.

Miss Walker-Poroa said she had lost another family member in the same week.

"It was like a wake-up call for our whole family," she said.

The 25-year-old said she and her sister shared a very close relationship.

"She was wonderful, she was a good mum, a good partner, a wicked sister and a good friend," Miss Walker-Poroa said.

Talking with her family had helped them open up about the loss of their loved-one. "We talk about it a lot," Miss Walker-Poroa said.

Next month, Miss Walker-Poroa will help run a suicide prevention and awareness event in Tauranga to help others open up about the 'S' word.

Into The Light is at Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre from 12pm-6pm on September 2.

"We are just trying to put as much awareness out there as possible about suicide," Miss Walker-Poroa said.

"Our main goal is if we can touch at least one person's life with this then it is all worth it."

Miss Walker-Poroa said there were many reasons why people would not open up about suicide.

"Self-confidence, self-love, financial stress, job loss, relationships," she said. "Anything can trigger something, it all comes down to self-worth."

Phoenix Walker.

The event is organised by Aroha Suicide Awareness Prevention - a community group including Hinenui Cooper, DeLanie Ututaonga, Irene Walker, Tamati Williams and Wahia Walker-Poroa.

Aroha Suicide Awareness Prevention member Tamati Williams came up with the idea after Phoenix's death.

"Tamati wanted to put on a concert and bring everyone together," Miss Walker-Poroa said.

She said the September 2 event would include live entertainment, food stores and a kids zone from 12pm-3pm, but it was more than "just a concert".

"There will be service providers, motivational speakers and support networks there to share what they do and telling people there are places you can go to get help."

She was hoping more than 1000 people would attend and "anyone is welcome".

Miss Walker-Poroa said organisers would be giving out balloons to the first 250 people for a balloon release to open the event at midday.

People were welcome to write names on the balloons before releasing them. There will be a lantern release to close the event at 6pm.

A koha or donation would be accepted but was not compulsory.

WHERE TO GET HELP:

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
KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
SAMARITANS: 0800 726 666
OUTLINE: 0800 688 5463 (confidential service for the LGBTQI+
community, their friends and families)