T20 Coast Clash

Our aim is to provide support and raise awareness to both the precursors and the finality of suicide, through activity and action in our communities. Why? Why not? We are impassioned people that feel enough is enough and we want to help those suffering get the help they need and to support those left in the wake of the finality that is suicide.

Shining Light On The Dark is a not for profit group started in 2017 in Hokitika on the West Coast of the South Island. Founded for two key reasons; statistics, the West Coast is the suicide capital of the World with the highest per capita rates of suicide in New Zealand and Zealand holds the same title at an OECD level, and secondly grief and suffering of dealing with suicide post event.

To achieve this our mission is to start in our own communities and bring the communities together to enjoy events, but also assist them to learn more about this area and ultimately develop resilience to support each other, and a better ability to identify this in people. It might sound airy fairy but happy healthy communities with the ability to support each other is a good start and it is our pathway. Using social media, community events, information and education to grow capabilities and empower our communities. We are looking to use other events and activities as activation for our cause and to get suicide and mental health issues at the forefront of thought and conversations.

On February 22nd at Arthur Fong Park in Blaketown, a T20 charity cricket match will be held to promote mental health and well being, as well as raise funds for several mental health charities.

The teams will feature one made up of some of West Coast's finest rugby talent & the other an All Star side featuring West Coasters from many different backgrounds.

The day will be a fun family friendly day out with entertainment planned for both young and old alike, while fellow West Coasters will also share some positive messages around mental health and well being.

Depression is a cruel disease that needs more acknowledgment. All walks of life suffer in many ways and unfortunately it’s the quiet sufferers we lose to suicide. To show our acknowledgement to the cruel and nasty mental disease we dedicate this day to our loved ones we grieve for, families, friends, community and all who are suffering and battling with mental health.