Sarah's Story

$5,798 of $5,000 goal

Given by 79 generous donors in around 5 months

New Zealand has one of the highest suicide rates in the developed world. I want to change that with Key To Life Charitable Trust.

Wellington

On 11 June 2016 I was admitted to the Wellington Mental Health Unit and diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a life-long condition with periods of extreme highs and extreme lows. I was scared and I didn't know the battle I had ahead of me.

New Zealand has one of the highest suicide rates in the developed world. 1 in 4 people with bipolar disorder die from the condition. I want to change that with Key To Life Charitable Trust.

My goal is to keep my black dog (depression) away this winter and get my healthy lifestyle back! While raising money for the Key To Life Charitable Trust! My goal is to raise $5,000 for Key To Life.

For me, being healthy is part of adding to my mental health and that is far more important than any number.

You will be able to follow my progress & donate via this website. 100% of the proceeds go to Key To Life. My finish date is 1 September.

What is Key To Life?

-The Key to Life Charitable Trust is committed to our long-term goal of a zero suicide rate in New Zealand.

-Their vision is A New Zealand where the rising prevalence of suicide is curbed and to create an open dialogue surrounding suicide and mental health awareness to diminish stigmas through a societal attitudinal change which affects perceptions of these issues.

-Establish and implement a successful bottom-up within New Zealand schools to allow for suicide prevention training and a changing of attitudes amongst youth to allow these attitudes to be passed on to future generations.

-To become a “point of call” for New Zealanders and their families dealing with suicide and mental health.

-To be recognised as a household name in our field offering programs and services to New Zealanders affected by suicide and mental health

I want to be the hope others can see, spread the word and share my story of living with a mental health issue in New Zealand.

Please donate and support this cause as it is NOT government funded.

I highly encourage you to attend one of Mike King and Haileys community or school talks about mental health.

Sarah Walsh's involvement (page creator)

I have bipolar disorder and I want to help raise awareness around the importance of mental health and lowering New Zealand's suicide rate as we have one of the highest rate in the developed world.