The Whanganui region lost 12 people to suicide in the past year and the community will come together for a HopeWalk on Saturday to raise awareness and promote hope.
Health promoter Alaska Dobbs of Ngā Tai o te Awa said the walk will be a chance for people to have "safe conversations around the kaupapa".
"New Zealand suicide statistics show there were 606 deaths in the 2016 to 2017 period, an increase of 27 from the previous year.
"Within the Whanganui DHB region we lost 12 people to suicide, an average of 10.5 per year.
"The current pattern is that we're seeing mainly middle aged and older males being the predominant population within our suicide statistics".
Ngā Tai o te Awa will be holding the HopeWalk which is a kaupapa (principle) aimed at bringing the community together to raise awareness of suicide prevention and promote hope.
"We hope by walking along main areas we will draw attention to the issue and support anyone suffering or impacted by suicide," said Miss Dobbs.
The HopeWalk will kick off at Cooks Gardens from 3pm, on Saturday, December 9.
Miss Dobbs said this will allow plenty of time for everyone to get back to Cooks Gardens before the Vibe Music Festival starts at 5pm.
"From Cooks Gardens the convoy will head down Maria Place, Victoria Ave, Moutua Quay along the river and back the same route to end at Majestic Square.
"There will be HopeWalk T-shirts on sale for $15 at the venue which will also get you free entry into the Vibe Festival."
Vibe will feature live music from Nomad, Drones, Space Cactus, Aotea Empire, Vin Almazan, Joah's Arc, Bing's Sarcasm and more.
The will also be stalls selling food and crafts and Miss Dobbs said Ngā Tai o te Awa will have a tent where conversations can be continued and support information will be available for people to take away.