‘Nuggets of gold’| Insights from voices of lived experience
He maramara kōura’| He tirohanga mai i ngā reo o te hunga whai wheako
Kia ora, this article and report focuses on kōrero, research and mahi between Changing Minds, people with lived experience of self harm and/or suicide attempt, and the Suicide Mortality Review Committee (SuMRC). If any issues discussed here are resonate for you and you want to talk to someone, please contact any of the agencies and services below or via our resources page.
We acknowledge our whānau, family and friends who are bereaved by suicide and the experiences of those with lived experience shared in this work.
“I guess we all sell
Our own nuggets of gold
When we’re down and out of luck
I can give you my last dime
If it’s me this time.”
- Zoë Hickerson
This ‘nuggets of gold’ project grew from research Changing Minds conducted in 2018 that showed that people with lived experience in Aotearoa New Zealand want to be included in reviews relating to suicide prevention.
The SuMRC recognises a gap in Aotearoa New Zealand research on lived experience of suicide and what helped when people had or acted on thoughts of self-harm or suicide. This report summarises the outcomes of a scoping project exploring the possibility of gathering and sharing ‘nuggets of gold’ – that is, stories from those with lived experience of suicide attempt.
The original and primary aim of the project was to inform a survey that would identify tools for staying well.
However, during the interview process we heard that how to ask those questions was more important than what the questions should be. People with lived experience were interviewed to ask how best to gather and share stories of what works from a lived experience perspective.
To support suicide prevention strategies in Aotearoa, a way to examine the system we live in is to listen to the voices of individuals with lived experience. Listening to those with experience of suicide attempt and service use can provide unique perspectives and strategies for supporting ongoing mental health wellness and recovery.
Our hope is this mahi lays the ground work for Aotearoa to continue to capture the voice of lived experience through a co-defined and co-designed process with a diverse range of voices.
Read the full report ‘Nuggets of gold’: Insights from voices of lived experience’.
Support when reading this report
Need to Talk? 1737 call or text (mental health, depression and anxiety counselling)
Lifeline: 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 | 0508 TAUTOKO, 12 noon to 12 midnight (for people in distress, or people who are concerned about the wellbeing of someone else)
Kidsline (for children up to 14 years): 0800 543 754 (0800 KIDSLINE), 4–6 pm weekdays
Youthline: 0800 376 633 | free text 234; email talk@youthline.co.nz
Supporting Families: supportingfamilies.org.nz (support for whānau bereaved by suicide)Skylight: www.skylight.org.nz (for those facing loss, trauma and grief)
LifeKeepers National Suicide Prevention Training Programme (Le Va): www.lifekeepers.nz
Waka Hourua: teaumaori.com/support/waka-hourua
You can also talk to your general practitioner (GP) or another local health professional, friends, family, whānau or someone else you trust.