Remembering the lost

RECOGNITION: A total of 606 pairs of shoes lay in The Square on Sunday to visually represent the lives lost to suicide. PHOTO: KARLA KARAITIANA

Hundreds of people gathered in The Square on Sunday to listen to heartbreaking stories of those who have lost loved ones to suicide.

A shoe installation organised by HopeWalk Palmerston North for World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was a poignant reminder of the 606 New Zealander's who took their own lives in the last year.

The installation was laid on the lawn on the Church St side of The Square on Sunday evening, and drew a crowd of supporters and curious onlookers as they listened to stories of people's own experiences with suicide.

HopeWalk Palmerston North champion and event organiser Katina Hughes says the purpose of the installation -- to illustrate the impact of suicide -- was evident as she spent time at the display listening to people's stories.

"We want to visually express the 606 lives lost to suicide this past year and help illustrate the devastating impact that this loss has on communities throughout Aotearoa. It's more than just a number.

"These are beloved people who are irreplaceable. Each life lost impacts families, friends and our communities throughout Aotearoa."

The installation was held in conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) event, Light Up The Dark to mark WSPD for those who've been affected by suicide and community members wishing to show their support.

A crowd of almost 100 people gathered under the Clock Tower at 6pm as it lit up in yellow, a universal colour to signify hope.

"The HopeWalk motto is Stronger Together and that is how we want participants to feel," Ms Hughes says. "The aim is for our community to feel uplifted as we stand together in the knowledge that we are not alone.

"A big thank you to the Palmerston North City Council for supporting us and allowing the Clock Tower to shine yellow for WSPD."

More information on HopeWalk Palmerston North can be found on the Facebook page hopewalkpalmy.

WHERE TO GET HELP

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, get help from your GP or local mental health provider. If you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

Helplines are also available:

LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)

SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)

YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633

NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)

KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)

WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)

DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757