Rotorua walk raises awareness for suicide and depression

A sea of yellow marched down Memorial Drive on Saturday for Rotorua's first HopeWalk.

About 100 people dressed up in yellow, the colour of hope, to raise awareness of suicide and depression.

The walk was organised by Chris Smith and Thomas O'Leary, who thought of the idea after attending the Hamilton event.

Smith said she was proud of the turnout and would like to make it an annual event.

"It was such a great event. So many people came together to talk about their experiences with suicide and depression and that's what the walk was all about."

She said there were a couple of people recently bereaved who took part in the walk showing an "immense amount of courage".

"Too often people don't open up about losing loved ones to suicide, but they were able to connect with others who had gone through similar circumstances which helped a lot."

Hopewalk for suicide prevention in Rotorua.

Posted by Rotorua Daily Post on Friday, 17 November 2017

Smith said she hoped to carry on the momentum from the HopeWalk and continue to raise awareness around suicide and depression in Rotorua.

"I have some ideas of other things I want to do but it's still in the planning stages.

"We feel like there were some people who were too skeptical to come to the walk and, I think, if we continue to raise awareness throughout the year they may feel more comfortable about attending the next walk."

Local man John Brown took part in the walk and said it was a good way to raise awareness of suicide.

Locals dress in yellow to spread the message of hope. Photo/Ben Fraser

"Walks like these are a great way to make people feel comfortable talking about their problems. This was the first time I took part in an event like this and I'll definitely do it again."

Brown said the purpose of the walk was important to him as he had lost loved ones to suicide.

"Depression is very common today, especially among young people so we need to make sure we raise the issue as a community and let those who are struggling know they're not alone."