Riders to rally against teen suicide in Whanganui

Aotearoa RATS national chair Tama Eminukutepua to lead rally into Whanganui. Photo/ supplied

A father who lost two of his children to suicide and a 14-year-old who pulled through the darkness are telling their stories as part of a rally against teen suicide.

Whanganui's Ngaa Tai O Te Awa Trust is teaming up with Taranaki rally group Riders Against Teen Suicide (RATS) to make noise about what is deemed a taboo subject.

Suicide prevention coordinator Stormie Hunter-Rogan, from Ngaa Tai O Te Awa, said Thursday's rally in Majestic Square was about letting the community know support was available locally.

"Not all of our people know there is help out there."

RATS launched in 2012 after a cluster of 10 suicides in Northland.

Aotearoa RATS national chairman Tama Eminukutepua, who will be leading the ride into Whanganui, said suicide was a serious problem.

"The numbers keep going up and up, and it's time we identify what's wrong and start filling those gaps," Eminukutepua said.

Former health minister Dr Jonathan Coleman told the RATS group that 60 per cent of people who have committed suicide had no contact with community services, Eminukutepua said.

"We want to change that by showing people what services are available."

This year the group had been more focused on connecting with community, family, friends, and employers of the person at risk, rather than the person themselves.

"We want the community to be aware and proactive with suicide prevention; they are our eyes and ears."

On Saturday March 10, the group will also be launching an 0800 number for people at risk.

The Whanganui rally on Thursday will start at 10am and go until 3pm.

Where to get help:
• 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)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.