A LONG WALK FOR JUSTICE

Hi Everyone!

 

My name is Sam and I am 26 years old. I have just finished a Bachelor of Social Practice (majoring in Social Work). I am doing this walk because I am choosing to take a stand against suicide and it's hold over our nation. It is also something very personal for me because I tried to take my life when I was 17. Too many of our people, particularly our young people are taking their lives each year.

 

Not to get all math-y on you, but here are some statistics: From June 2012 to June 2013 541 New Zealanders committed suicide. That breaks down to 12 people in every 100,000. It is also about 10 people per week.

 

In 2010, 522 people took their life. The rate for young people aged 15-24 was 17.7 people per 100,000.

 

In 2009, at a rate of 15.9 people per 100,000 New Zealand had the highest rate of youth suicide in the OECD.

 

These figures are too high and awareness of it all needs to be made. I will be walking from Cape Reinga to Bluff to help raise awareness. Please sponsor me or donate to the walk in general. Every donation is appreciated, no matter how small!