Mates4Life, a not-for-profit organisation that provides a free suicide prevention training programme across Hawke’s Bay, has now established a dedicated head office in Hastings.
Mates4Life was established in 2021; first starting out sharing an office at Tumu Timbers, before moving to a co-working space at Hastings Hive and now stepping up to their very own office for the growing team.
Mates of Hawke’s Bay Trust chairman James Truman says the organisation has matured to needing its own space; “in the last three years our programmes have been delivered to over six thousand people and we are making a significant impact not only in the workplace, but in homes and communities across Hawke’s Bay.”
Business Relations Manager Bronnie Coory says the new office on the corner of Karamu Road and Alexandra Crescent has already increased the profile of the organisation while also enabling the team to work more closely; sharing and supporting each other. “We work and train others on a difficult subject. Mental health and suicide are very challenging issues and it’s important that the wellbeing of our own team is top of mind.”
“We have the space to work together as a team and create a vibrant and safe environment as well as undertake any of our own upskilling or small training sessions onsite.”
James says Mates4Life came out of a need to support people who might be feeling suicidal in the workplace and have no one to talk to or no way of expressing how they are feeling. It is now a free, five-step programme supported by over 90 local businesses and charities such as Pan Pac, Furnware, WSP, Isaacs Plumbing, Pumping and Electrical and Napier City Council.
Hawke’s Bay has had a challenging 3-4 years with COVID19 and then Cyclone Gabrielle. To enable better access to businesses and communities Mates4Life launched “Kai and Kōrero”, which sees the team take their purpose-built BBQ trailer to businesses, events and community gatherings. “It’s been a huge success, reaching over 4000 people and providing an opportunity to come together, unwind, and enjoy some delicious food in a relaxed and friendly environment” says Bronnie.
Mates4Life was developed following the devastating loss of a staff member to suicide a few years ago at Tumu Timbers, which is part of the Tumu Group of companies. James, the General Manager of Tumu Timbers engaged the provider of a national suicide prevention programme to deliver suicide awareness training to all staff.
The programme proved to be very successful and was implemented throughout the Tumu Group. When the training provider became unavailable, it prompted the vision for a locally developed programme that could be accessed free by all workplaces and organisations across Hawke’s Bay.
James and a small group of passionate people including Bronnie, Kerry Gilbert (Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Te Whatu Ora) and Caroline Wilson of A-OK New Zealand had a vision for a programme that would be long-term, sustainable, no barriers and free.
Kaiwhakahaere / Operations Manager Tyson Ataera leads the facilitator team and says “we know that there are people within local businesses that are struggling with their mental wellbeing. “It’s on the rise and our programmes help identify those who are struggling and gives people the tools to check in on their workmates, friends and whānau as well as encouraging those that aren’t coping to ask for help.”
“Our aim is to create life-supporting workplaces and ultimately life-supporting communities” says Tyson.
“Often people become aware, maybe for the first time, of how to bank coping and prevention strategies for their on-going mental health and how to get support if they need it,” he says.
Tyson says there is definitely a lot of support out there in Hawke’s Bay “but the challenge is connecting people to that support.”
Funding partners have included Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Primary Industries and Royston Health Trust. Other supporters include Tumu Group and Attn! Marketing PR.