(We’ll add closed captions to this video soon).

Suicide disproportionately affects rainbow communities in Aotearoa. New Zealand’s national strategies and programmes to prevent suicide don’t often acknowledge this, or seek to address population-specific risk and protective factors. Instead, rainbow community organisations and leaders often do this work outside of government and health system structures.

The work of rainbow suicide prevention includes supporting individuals, but it’s also about building a world that is safer for rainbow people, where suicide is a less present option, and where people feel a sense of hope, acceptance and love. This work needs everyone.

This webinar for World Suicide Prevention Day 2022 explored what rainbow suicide prevention looks like in Aotearoa, the importance of community leadership and how public health workers can effectively engage with rainbow communities. Moira Clunie shared findings from their recent Masters research that looked at how community-led rainbow suicide prevention could be strengthened in Aotearoa. They were joined by Tommy Hamilton and Joey Macdonald for a conversation about this kaupapa.

 

Get support

If you’re looking for help for yourself or someone you’re connected with, these are places where you can find direct support:

  • For immediate support, free call or text 1737 any time to talk with a trained counsellor.

  • OutLine provides rainbow-affirming specialist counselling (you can self-refer online) as well as a free nationwide peer support service (free call 0800 OUTLINE (0800 688 5463) or access online chat any evening between 6pm and 9pm to talk to a trained volunteer).

  • The Mental Health Foundation’s helplines directory provides a list of other places you can call

  • Our suicide prevention resource page lists other resources and supports

Learn more about this kaupapa