Watch: Shearathon raises awareness for mental health

Shearers from all over the South Island took part in a 24-hour Shearathon event in North Canterbury on Friday.

Canterbury shearer Mark Herlihy decided to get his friends and family together for the Shearathon to raise awareness and funds for mental health. Herlihy lost his 20-year old brother to suicide two years ago.

Machine and blade shearers traveled from as far afield as Riverton in the South and Hawke's Bay and Taranaki in the North. Four woolsheds kept 3500 sheep dry before they were shorn.

"And we've got four and a half thousand to shear," said Herlihy, "so if the rain would go away it would make life heaps easier."

A memorial corner was set up for people to remember those lost to suicide. The Shearathon also has a Givealittle page here.

IF YOU NEED HELP:

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

Or if you need to talk to someone else:

• Rural Support Trust: 0800 787 254
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (Mon-Fri 1pm to 10pm. Sat-Sun 3pm-10pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666