Amber McGrail, Shining Light on the Dark Matamata-Piako founder, with Mata Digital managing director Tim Hampton
SHININGLIGHT PRESS RELEASE OCT 1 2019
By STEVE EDWARDS
The importance of work undertaken by a suicide prevention group in the Waikato hit home with Mata Digital.
Managing director Tim Hampton had no hesitation in providing his company’s website design and development expertise free of charge to Shining Light on the DarkMatamata-Piako
The non-profit organisation aims to raise awareness and support to “find a way through the dark” for those suffering mental health issues.
“This is such an important initiative for an issue we struggle to face and understand, even in today’s society,” says Tim.
“I am so glad we were able to provide our services to the group, and also want to support its wonderful work as much as possible in the future.”
The website outlines the work, aims and objectives of Shining Light on the Dark Matamata-Piako.
Organisers hope it will grow in strength in the area through support networks, workshops, communication and working alongside support services.
“Enough is enough. We are impassioned for people to get the support they need, be it for those suffering, or the family and friends affected.”
The group says mental health is an illness that needs to be acknowledged.
There were685 reported suicides in New Zealand in the year to June 30, 2019, up 17 on the previous year and the highest since records began 12 years ago.
This includes a disproportionately high number for Maori, Pacific Islanders and teenagers.
Given the demographic make-up of Matamata-PIako, Shining Light on the Dark is also placing an emphasis on support for rural residents.
In 2018, 20farmers in New Zealand took their own lives. Eighteen were men and five were from the Waikato (the highest of any region). Six were aged 15-24.
The first shining Light on the Dark group was formed on the West Coast of the south island in 2017, later extending to South Waikato and Matamata-Piako.
Matamataresident Amber McGrail, whose best friend committed suicide 11 years ago, attended the inaugural South Waikato event in 2018 and brought the concept to Mata Mata-Piako in 2019 with help from other friends.
The groups inaugural community awareness event is a Gumboot Fun Run on November 1.
Starting at5pm (registration), Bedford Park in Matamata will host an obstacle course for gumboot-clad competitors.
The first lap (6pm) will be “non-silence”, where organisers say everyone can make as much noise as possible.
The event, which runs until 8.30pm-9pm, also features entertainment, guest speakers and food stalls.
shininglightmatamatapiako.co.nz
WHERE TO GET HELP:
1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
Lifeline –0800 543 354
Youthline –0800 376 633, free text 234 or email [email protected] or online chat
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
What’s Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, midday–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm. Online chat is available 7pm–10pm daily.
Kidsline –0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline) for young people up to 18 years of age. Open24/7.
thelowdown.co.nz – or email [email protected] or free text 5626
Anxiety New Zealand – 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)
Rural Support Trust – 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP)
Supporting Families in Mental Illness – 0800 732 825