Event drives up awareness of problem

Leteisha Cornes (right) holds a trophy in memory of her brother Ryan under the hood of Emma Christmas' (left) father Bruce's 1938 Chevrolet Coup. Photo / Glenn Taylor

Five years after the event, Ryan Griffiths' sister Leteisha Cornes is determined to stop more young men taking their lives as her brother did.

On Sunday a Casper-organised (Community Action on Suicide Prevention Education and Research) car show brought 100 special vehicles of all ages into the Hastings CBD.

"I know a lot of suicides are young guys and a lot of them are car enthusiasts. We wanted to create an event that would get the young guys together, give them some information about Casper and alternatives."

She hopes to make it an annual event, which wasn't just about cars - there was also a free sausage sizzle, bouncy castle, face painting and song and dance. "It ended up going pretty viral through word of mouth and Facebook, it has been pretty awesome."

A trophy in memory of her brother was awarded to the motorist judged Best Backyard Mechanic.

She said the majority of victims experienced a negative event in their life shortly before their death.

"People don't ask for help when they are having a tough time and we want to make sure they do."

The Mental Health Foundation's free Resource and Information Service (09 623 4812) will refer callers to some of these helplines:

Lifeline - 0800 543 354

Depression Helpline (8 am to 12 midnight) - 0800 111 757

Healthline - 0800 611 116

Samaritans - 0800 726 666 (for callers from the Lower North Island, Christchurch and West Coast) or 0800 211 211 / (04) 473 9739 (for callers from all other regions)

Suicide Crisis Helpline (aimed at those in distress, or those who are concerned about the wellbeing of someone else) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

Youthline - 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz