Suicide Prevention Helpline Extends Hours 0508 TAUTOKO

Lifeline Aotearoa’s toll-free, National Suicide Prevention Helpline is extending its service hours. The helpline known as 0508 TAUTOKO is now open from 12 Midday to12 Midnight, 7 days a week.

0508 TAUTOKO is a crisis support service for anyone concerned about themselves or someone else who may be having thoughts of suicide. Qualified mental health professionals respond to each call using the internationally recognised Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).

Lifeline Aotearoa is about to launch a 3 month television suicide prevention campaign on Māori Television called ‘Start the Conversation Today – Me tīmata te kōrero i tēnei rā!’ The television campaign encourages whanau / family to talk about their feelings with one another and features the 0508 TAUTOKO suicide prevention helpline number at the end of each advert.

“We know that talking about feelings can help to keep someone safe from acting on thoughts of suicide” says Lifeline Aotearoa CEO Jo Denvir.

“If we encourage talking about feelings with our loved ones we form a good protective habit. So, when life gets overwhelming at times – and it does, we still have the good habit. Talking about how we feel helps to keep us safe.”

However, Ms Denvir acknowledges that not everyone has someone they can talk to. “Thats why 0508 TAUTOKO is here. We want all New Zealanders to feel they have someone they can talk to about their feelings of suicide, whether they have been affected by the suicide of someone they know or they are having thoughts of suicide themselves. The impact of suicide affects us all.”

It’s important to take someone seriously when they talk about feelings of suicide. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else call 0508 TAUTOKO and talk to one of Lifeline Aotearoa’s suicide intervention professionals.

About Lifeline Aotearoa
Lifeline Aotearoa is New Zealands leading helplines organisation. It provides a wide range of support services including the acclaimed National Depression Initative featuring John Kirwan, the Family Violence “It’s Not OK” Line, “Choice Not Chance” Gambling Helpline, and the internationally approved suicide prevention education trainings; ASIST, Suicide TALK and SafeTALK.

For more information on Lifeline Aotearoa’s suite of services visit their website www.lifeline.org.nz

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