Hope Walk for suicide prevention in Whanganui

There was hope on the faces of people taking part in the HopeWalk.

Hosted by Nga Tai o te Awa, the walk was held on Saturday to raise awareness of suicide prevention in Whanganui.

Alaska Dodds said there were 12 deaths by suicide in the Whanganui District Health Board region in the 2016-2017 year.

Nationwide, that figure was 606 deaths - up by 27 from the previous year.

"The current pattern is that we're seeing mainly middle aged and older males being the predominant population within our suicide statistics," Ms Dodds said.

She said the HopeWalk was a kaupapa (principle) aimed at bringing the community together to raise awareness of suicide prevention and promote hope.

The HopeWalk started at Cooks Gardens, then went down Maria Place, Victoria Ave, Moutoa Quay along the river and back the same route to end at Majestic Square. It was followed by the Vibe music festival at Cooks Gardens.