METRONEWS
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Timaru's second Hope Walk ‘hits home’

Jasmine Ng

Hundreds of people walked through Timaru to remember those taken by suicide.

At least 200 people wearing yellow walked from Centennial Park to the Soundshell at Caroline Bay.

This is the second year Hope Walk has ran in Timaru, organised by a Timaru mum who lost her son to depression.

A mental health advocate and comedian, Mike King, gave a speech in the Soundshell after the walk to emphasise the importance of asking if you need help. 

Solomon Taylor, who has lost three people to suicide in the last year, said the event "hit home" for him.

He said he walked because he wanted those suffering from depression to know there were always people they could talk to.

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 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland

Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz 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. Open 24/7.

thelowdown.co.nz – or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626

Anxiety New Zealand - 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)

Supporting Families in Mental Illness - 0800 732 825.

If it is an emergency or you, or someone you know, is at risk call 111.