Changing the narrative on suicide, one conversation at a time

As World Suicide Prevention Day approaches on 10 September, Le Va’s LifeKeepers team is reflecting on the thousands of people across Aotearoa who are helping create communities where conversations about suicide can happen with greater confidence, compassion and care.

The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day since 2024, ‘Changing the narrative on suicide’, calls on us to move away from silence and stigma and towards openness, understanding and support.

For our LifeKeepers team, changing that narrative starts by equipping everyday people with the knowledge and skills to recognise when someone may be experiencing suicidal distress, to start a conversation and connect them with support.

From January to June 2026, 1,790 people enrolled in LifeKeepers e-Learning, while more than 650 people attended LifeKeepers Aotearoa and Mana Akiaki: LifeKeepers for Māori in-person training.

Delivery reached communities across the motu, including Whitianga, Tokoroa, Blenheim, Kaitaia and Whangārei, helping make suicide prevention education accessible to people wherever they live, work and connect.

Importantly, the impact continues well beyond the training room. Since Le Va launched LifeKeepers back in 2017, participants have reported 3,757 occasions where they have used their learning to respond to someone who may be at risk of suicide. In 1,896 of those situations, that person was connected with further support.

Behind every number is a conversation: a colleague who noticed something had changed; a whānau member who asked the question; or someone who had the confidence to stay, listen and help another person find support.

This World Suicide Prevention Day in September, we want to acknowledge everyone across Aotearoa who is building their capability to have these conversations. Together, we can continue changing the narrative around suicide and strengthening communities where people feel seen, heard and supported.

Learn more about Le Va’s LifeKeepers programme: www.lifekeepers.nz