Riders Against Teenage Suicide

 

New Zealand has a high rate of suicide compared to other countries. In 2018 the New Zealand suicide rate was recorded as the highest it has been since records began (Source: Ministry of Justice).

Aotearoa R.A.T.S (Riders Against Teenage Suicide) are a group of bikers formed to take a collective approach to tackle the issue of suicide within our whānau, our aiga, our families, our communities, our regions - our country. They believe that the unity of everyone will strengthen the combat against suicide. This group of bikers are passionate about raising Suicide Awareness and being proactive within our communities in the hope that together we can help people with suicide ideation and/or those who are effected by the suicide ripple effect.

Dion Wairepo, Chairperson for Aotearoa R.A.T.S

Dion Wairepo, Chairperson for Aotearoa R.A.T.S

Dion Wairepo, is the Chairperson for Aotearoa R.A.T.S - Central Waikato/BOP. He is passionate and motivated to keep people alive, and talking to people when they are going through a tough time.

“We are trying our best to go out and help save lives. We use our bikes to raise awareness. We also go to the person who has been affected by this horrible dark time” says Dion.

Dion says that the problem in New Zealand is that people need to speak up more.

“Before bad thoughts come into your mind, whenever you’re feeling too much pressure - just talk” says Dion.

“There is always someone who will be there. If in doubt of what to do please get a hold of us at Aotearoa R.A.T.S Central. Message and someone will answer,” says Dion.

“Due to the high rate of suicide every year in NZ, we need to let people know there is someone out there to talk to, and yes we are bikers, but bikers with a cause to help people, just like all the other bikers who jump on this kaupapa.”

Aotearoa R.A.T.S place emphasis on how it’s so important for people to talk with someone on how they are feeling.

“If there are people who want to know more on this, I can come and have a talk about the awareness, get a group session going, knowledge is power” says Dion.

“It’s not ok to feel on your own without support, but it is ok to reach out and talk about how you’re feeling, talk about the thoughts. If people need help, talk to a person who rides a bike and I’m sure in our community of bikers someone will know someone who can help out” says Dion.

For more information or advice contact Aotearoa R.A.T.S – Central on Facebook

Where else to get help

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

  • What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, midday–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm. Online chat is available 7pm–10pm daily.

  • Anxiety New Zealand - 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)

  • Supporting Families in Mental Illness - 0800 732 825

  • Lifeline – 0800 543 354

  • Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

  • Youthline – 0800 376 633 or free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz

  • Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or www.depression.org.nz

  • Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (aimed at children up to 14 years of age; 4 pm to 6 pm weekdays)

  • Rural Support Trust – 0800 787 254

  • Alcohol Drug Helpline – 0800 787 797 or free text 8691

  • Samaritans – 0800 726 666 (for callers from the Lower North Island, Christchurch and West Coast) or 0800 211 211 (for callers from all other regions)

  • Casper – 0508 227 737 (Community Action on Suicide Prevention Education and Research)

  • The Lowdown
    Free text 5626 or email team@thelowdown.co.nz

 
 
Lisa Ryan