Grandparents, grandchildren, church ministers, police and school teachers were amongst the 45 or so people who gathered outside the Helensville Museum on Saturday 12 August, most wearing or carrying something yellow. Yellow is Bridge to Hope’s colour. Bridge to Hope is a suicide prevention awareness team which started in Helensville two years ago, headed by Marie Adlam.
To celebrate Bridge to Hope’s 2nd anniversary they organised a walk from the museum to Aquatic Park Hot Pools in Parakai. It was open to any and all in the community to join in – those who have lost loved ones to suicide, those who are going through tough times, those who care and want to show that help is available and want to see the tide turned on this epidemic raging through our fantastic country. The NZ Herald recently ran in-depth articles on suicide and these can still be accessed online. Sadly, they are worth a read.
The photo shows the Clarke & Simmons families who looked great in all their yellow outfits! Some folk carried bright yellow balloons.
The walk took about 20 minutes, preceded by a short talk and prayer and culminated with $2 entry to the hot pools and a free sausage. Our friendly local policeman, Lou Unkovic, ensured the group was safe and assisted with a road-crossing. God took care of the weather – though there were rain clouds all around it was as if a path was opened (partly by a very strong wind!) for the group to walk along. They were prepared to walk regardless of the weather.
Bridge to Hope thanks the many people who supported/assisted them in various ways with the day: Kaipara College, the local Police, various business in Helensville, Parakai, Kumeu, Huapai, Waitoki for letting them advertise, Helensville Museum (parking & toilets), Kumeu Butcher for discount on sausages, Kristine Norton for attending &putting photos up on Facebook, Parakai’s Aquatic Pools for being awesome sponsors for the day, the local churches for praying and caring and of course their families.
When asked if they’d ‘do it again next year’ it depends on funding – so if there’s any keen sponsors out there, they’d appreciate hearing from you. Meantime, if you are looking for help in the area of suicide prevention, please text 0211161054 or call in the Drop-In Centre, the small building at 118 Commercial Road, between 3-5pm Weds. Let’s turn the tide and cross the Bridge to Hope.
the Bridge to Hope Team at Aquatic Park serving sausages: Jocelyn Read, Kaysha Adlam, Marie Adlam, Rev Waldon Ellett, Michelle Humphris, Jo Burgess
