Tonight in Alexandra, there’s a workshop you won’t want to miss.

Michael Hempseed, TEDx speaker and author of the book ‘Being a True Hero: Understanding and Preventing Suicide in Your Community’ is coming to Alexandra to talk to us about preventing suicide.

Michael travels by invitation both here in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally, speaking about suicide. His talks are all based on the latest scientific research, and he presents the information in an easy to understand, funny, practical and inspiring way.

“This is information absolutely everyone needs to know.”

“Sooner or later all of us are going to know someone that’s suicidal, or in a bad situation, whether or not we know it at the time.

“I don’t teach people how to be counsellors or doctors; I teach people how to recognise when someone might be in a bad situation and know how to help them.”

“My workshops are not scary or morbid, they are factual and practical, and I want people to leave informed and uplifted with a few more tools to use in preventing suicide.”

People might also get an understanding of what they might be feeling or experiencing, Michael said. He will also be available after the workshop for people to talk to him and ask specific questions.

“This is a community workshop, open to everyone.”

Michael Hempseed will talk about how to recognise when someone is in a bad situation and how to help. Photo supplied.

Puna Rangatahi manager Sharleen Stirling-Lindsay said she saw Michael was holding workshops in Dunedin and thought, why should Central Otago be missing out? She contacted Michael to see if he would be interested in coming to Alexandra and he said yes.

In an official statement released in 2019, the Ministry of Health said to successfully prevent suicide, we need to look outside the health system and think broadly about addressing the factors that may increase or decrease the range of risk factors for individuals and communities.

Health Minister Andrew little confirmed last week that meaningful change is underway at a government level.

Sharleen said in any community, including ours, real change starts with each one of us.

“Tonight’s workshop with Michael is an opportunity to learn practical strategies we can all use.”

She hopes plenty of people in the community will come tonight to learn from Michael and ask questions.

“My hope is the impact this workshop has on our community is that we are able to continue to have the important conversations about wellbeing.

“That people learn to be brave and learn how to speak out if they have concerns for someone’s mental health.”

The workshop is FREE to all. It starts at 7.00pm tonight, at Alexandra Community House.

Need help? Where to get it:

Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

For more resources, Mental Wellbeingclick here