New Zealand’s Radio Hauraki has taken up a Triple M initiative to help men talk about suicide.
On Friday August 9th, the station will run No Talk Day.
There will be no shows, no ads, no news, no traffic updates and no weather reports.
“We’re not going to talk, so you can.”
According to the NZ Chief Coroner’s Report released at the end of last year, in 2018, 668 Kiwis took their lives and 475 of these were men. On average last year, more than one Kiwi male took his own life each day. One of the main reasons for that, is that kiwi men don’t talk.
Radio Hauraki’s No Talk Day will be a reminder to check in with each other, start a conversation or just listen.
Triple M Australia is heartened that its initiative, held last month, is resonating across the Tasman.
Head of Triple M Network Mike Fitzpatrick says: “The widespread community support and feedback that Triple M Australia received from this important initiative was overwhelming. The male suicide epidemic is not isolated by geography and we’re so proud this idea has carried to our brothers and sisters across the Tasman. I applaud Radio Hauraki for shining a spotlight on the problem.”
Radio Hauraki Content Director Mike Lane says suicide is one of the leading causes of death for young men in New Zealand:
“There is a need to try and provide the right tools for Kiwi men to support each other, look after each other or just have a conversation. If Hauraki’s No Talk Day instigates just one conversation that makes a difference to someone, it will be worth it.
“Unfortunately, many of us have been touched by suicide and within our own industry, we have lost loved and admired colleagues. We want our No Talk Day to be a reminder to check in with each other, start a conversation or just stay and listen.”
Movember is partnering with No Talk Day. “When Radio Hauraki approached us with this idea we were excited to be involved. As a charity addressing some of the biggest health challenges facing men, we know an initiative like this can create behavioural change with men which is so hard to do. If No Talk Day saves one man, it will be worthwhile,” says Movember’s NZ Country Manager Robert Dunne.
Where to get 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 the police immediately.
Or if you need to talk to someone else call these NZ help services:
• 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 (1pm to 11pm) • DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7) • SAMARITANS: 0800 726 666
