10th September is World Suicide Prevention Day, supporting a worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides.

Hope is a little word that has a huge impact on those struggling with mental illness; with Hope people can start to move towards wellness.

Hope is what every loved one, supporting someone with mental illness, needs every minute of everyday.

With Hope we as a community can look towards understanding and supporting everyone affected by mental illness to see a future.

One suicide is one too many.

Three years ago we lost the most amazing man, a man who touched our hearts. He was a very special individual, a friend to everyone and loved by all, now sadly missed.

Tribute to a Great Man.

For the past thirty years my husband has been telling the tale of a great man, his wonderful wife and their three awesome sons.

They live on a farm, in a cottage surrounded by a garden oasis, beside a lake.

You just need to head towards the mountains, take the first left, up and over the hill and when you see the woolshed on your right you are there.

Over the years, the adventures with the great man and his family have been joyful and plentiful some of which include shooting prey, fishing and tending to the flock.

If I were to describe the great man to you I would say he was honest, hardworking, loyal, loving, generous, stubborn and courageous.

He had the ability to light up a room with his twinkly eyes and cheeky smile and he made you feel special.

He always had time for a chat over a cup of tea or a beer, he was a great friend.

My husband would describe him in one of two ways either ‘The best thing since sliced bread’ or simply ‘Magnificent’. 

In more recent time, the tales of adventures became conversations of concern as the great man was sick.

The disease of the ‘black cloud’ had descended upon him and although he and his family fought hard against it; the disease was of such magnitude that the great man fell.

When he fell, the whole of the valley and all of the surrounding countryside was shaken and is it still shaking now. 

We love and miss you S.

One suicide is one too many.

If you need help in New Zealand here are some links from the Mental Health Foundation (more on their website)

Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor 

Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)

Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

Healthline – 0800 611 116

Samaritans – 0800 726 666