World Suicide Prevention Day: Changing the Narrative Webinar

A mihimihi whakamomori

Acknowledging those we have lost to suicide and recognising the impact on whānau, families, and communities. We also honour those with lived and living experiences of suicidal distress, as well as those who care for and support them.

World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually on the 10th of September, highlighting the global importance of suicide prevention and reinforcing the message that suicides are preventable. Since its establishment in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the day has sought to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and bring attention to suicide as a pressing public health issue.

The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2024 to 2026 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" with the call to action "Start the Conversation." This theme emphasises the need to break the silence surrounding suicide, reduce stigma, and encourage open and honest conversations. Changing the narrative aims to foster a culture of understanding, support, and openness around this complex issue.

Today, we encourage you to take a moment to reach out to someone in your hāpori, whether it’s a whānau member, friend, colleague, or even a stranger, who may benefit from connection and support.

Never underestimate the power of a single positive interaction—it may, in itself, be an intervention that prevents suicide.

World Suicide Prevention Day: Changing the Narrative Webinar

The webinar, held in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, focuses on the theme "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" with the call to action "Start the Conversation". It aims to reduce stigma around suicide, raise awareness, and promote open, supportive discussions. The event honours those affected by suicide, including individuals with lived experiences and their supporters. By encouraging positive and meaningful interactions, the webinar highlights how simple connections can play a crucial role in suicide prevention. Hosted by Asian Family Services, the session features expert speakers and resources to guide safe and effective conversations about suicide.

Speaker Bio

Mark Wilson, Senior Media Advisor, Mental Health Foundation
Mark leads the Suicide Media Response Service at the Mental Health Foundation (MHF), where he supports media professionals in responsibly reporting on suicide. He regularly speaks to media outlets and journalism students about the guidelines and restrictions surrounding suicide reporting. Before joining MHF, Mark worked for over a decade as a news and current affairs radio producer. His lived experience with suicide has led him to facilitate a bereavement support group in Auckland. Mark also serves on the MHF Suicide Bereavement Advisory Group and is passionate about educating others on the complexities of suicide loss.

Master of Ceremonies

Jordyn Elyse, Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Te Whatu Ora – Counties Manukau

Resources

Where to get help

  • Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7) Youth services: (06) 3555 906
  • Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234
  • What's Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)
  • 0800 Anxiety Helpline: 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY). This service is confidential and free of charge. Open 24/7.
  • Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7). Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737
  • Samaritans – 0800 726 666
  • Aoake te Rā (Bereaved by Suicide Service): Call 0800 000 053
  • Asian Helpline: Call 0800 862 342 Monday to Friday, 9 am to 8 pm
  • OutLine Aotearoa: 0800 688 5463 (0800 OUTLINE) provides confidential telephone support and online chat support between 6 pm and 9 pm daily.
  • What's Up– 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available every day of the week, 365 days of the year, 11 am–11 pm. Online chat is available from 11 am–10:30 pm 7 days a week, including all public holidays.

Help for parents, family and friends.

  • EDANZ– improving outcomes for people with eating disorders and their families. Freephone 0800 2 EDANZ or 0800 233 269, or in Auckland 09 522 2679. Or email info@ed.org.nz.
  • Parent Help—0800 568 856 is for parents/whānau seeking support, advice, and practical strategies on all parenting concerns. It is anonymous, nonjudgmental, and confidential.
  • Family Services 211 Helpline—0800 211 211 for help finding (and direct transfer to) community-based health and social support services in your area.
  • Yellow Brick Road– Supporting families towards mental wellbeing. 
  • Find a Helpline– Search for international helplines.

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

 

Hosted by Asian Family Services

The Flourishing Asian Communities Programme is Funded by Hauora Māori Services Directorate – Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand

View or Download resources

Suicide Prevention Day Webinar: Changing the Narrative

Categories

Suicide Prevention

Is this information useful ?

Subscribe to our newsletter

We respect your privacy and do not tolerate spam.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.