Email us at
contact@lifematters.org.nz
Our Charity Number is CC51541
Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust | Te Whare Oranga Ngākau was formed in July 2014 by concerned citizens wanting to make a difference to our suicide statistics in New Zealand.
The Trust was formed because there was very little support available to families bereaved by suicide or those that are suicidal. We provide much needed support and give a voice to the thousands of families devastated by suicide.
Contact our Co- General Managers
Corinda Taylor: contact@lifematters.org.nz
Clare Curran: message@lifematters.org.nz
The Trust receives no funding from the Government. Instead, funding applications cover all operational costs. Many generous sponsors have helped by giving funds and also helping with fundraising campaigns. We welcome donations which go towards supporting those in need and training in suicide prevention.
Our aim is to reduce the suicides in our country by promoting suicide prevention strategies, educating and supporting our community, raising awareness about suicide by breaking the stigma and supporting those bereaved by it. Most of our work is done out of the Hope Centre | Te Whare Tūmanako in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Kia ora, I am Corinda Taylor. My most important job is that as a mother and wife. I lost my beloved son Ross, aged twenty, to suicide in March 2013 due to failures of the system and individuals. Because I believe that Ross’ suicide could have been prevented and due to the lack of support after his suicide, I called a public meeting to connect with like-minded people. I am the founding member of the Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust. My aim is to make sure that nobody struggles to get help when they ask for it. From this end, a petition was started with Denise’s help and we delivered it to the House of Representatives, and respectfully requested a comprehensive independent nationwide Inquiry into Mental Health Services to be conducted to determine if current services meet the requirements and if future planning is adequate to meet future demand. We hope that the growing nationwide support will help us to make sure that nobody should die in despair and alone in the health care system. Zero suicide in health care is my aim.
Between 2008 and 2020 Clare was the Labour Member of Parliament for Dunedin South before retiring at the 2020 election. Clare was a committed local member of parliament, advocating and representing her constituents, particularly on issues related to housing, health, mental health and equality. She was a staunch voice for the South Dunedin suburbs, especially after the significant 2015 floods. Alongside her role as a Co-General Manager for Life Matters, Clare chairs the board of the Dunedin Night Shelter.
Ko Kapukataumahaka te māunga
Ko Pukihaukea te awa
Ko Tākitimute waka
Ko Wharetutu Newton tōku tīpuna
Ko Ngāi Tahu tōku iwi
Ko Te Rūnanga o Awarua tōku hapū
Ko Te Rau Aroha tōku marae
Nō Taiari ahau
Ko Braden rāua ko Kathyrn ōku mātua
Ko Hemi tōku ingoa
James is proud to be part of a team that is driven for positive change in our mental health system. He who himself has lived experience of mental health distress and suicide, understands the huge impacts of mental health on whānau, and friends. He is extremely passionate about the work Life Matters undertakes, he has been a volunteer and a Peer Supporter there for quite some years! Professionally James works in Rural Policy for a farmers advocacy group. He brings a wide range of governance experience to the board, and is actively involved in other organisations around the city. He was brought up in Central Otago and of Kai Tahu decent. In his free time, you will find him on the tracks around Dunedin or in a good book.
Growing up in Dunedin, I have local roots and am grateful to be able to help where I can in the community. I have over 10 years' experience as a Chartered Accountant and work with boards of both for-profit and non-profit entities to help them achieve their goals. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, a round of golf and mountain biking.
The work that Life Matters undertakes is close to my heart. Being part of this work gives me the chance to lend my skills and knowledge to a cause I have thought about daily for the past four years. My career has revolved around relationship building, both in the public and private sectors. I am currently the Relationship Manager for Alvarium Wealth, an investment firm based in Auckland. Outside of work you’ll find me on the golf course, in the surf, or spending time with my partner and friends.
Kia ora, my name is Rebecca and I have recently joined the Life Matters Board.
Born and bred in Dunedin, I have a sense of pride for our community, and it's an absolute privilege to be involved with the Trust. Having completed a psychology degree during my studies, I feel a strong connection to the mission of the Trust. The alarming mental health statistics in our country deeply concern me, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the passionate individuals at Life Matters who are making a significant difference.
I am currently an Associate at a local law firm practising in employment and health and safety law. I’m particularly passionate about working with employees and employers to prioritise and foster positive, inclusive and mentally healthy workplaces.
Outside of work, you’ll find me spending time with my family and friends out on the golf course or seeking out new adventures around the city.
Hey I'm Claudia! I am a postgraduate psychology student at the University of Otago. I've always enjoyed listening to other people's problems and I appreciate how uplifting it can be for others to talk to someone else about what is going on in their life. I love being a part of such an awesome team here at Life Matters and seeing the positive impact we have on individuals, as well as the community.
Kia ora, my name is Jade and I've just finished my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Originally from Vietnam, I decided to volunteer at the Hope Center to give back to the Dunedin community that has given me endless opportunities over these past 4 years. I believe that every member of the community can positively contribute to someone’s wellbeing & not just health professionals. I ultimately want to support others and help them navigate the mental health system and get the best care possible.
Hello, I'm Bev. I work for Campus Watch at the University of Otago. I've been with Life Matters from the beginning where I met Corinda and Denise. I'm passionate about mental health because I know things can change with a simple conversation.
Kia ora, my name is Joy Larson. I am married and we have three boys. James and his partner live in Central Otago, and Matthew and his wife live in Scotland. Our first born son, Mark, died in Oct 2003. I worked in Education (Primary School) for over 25 years. I was involved with both children and parents and loved being able to help them. I then decided on a new direction and trained in March 2020 to become a Peer Support Person. I feel that I have a lot of life experiences that will help many people. I am very privileged to be involved as a Peer Supporter with Life Matters. I love the Life Matters philosophy and want to support those affected by suicide and or mental health.
Kia ora! My name is Alida, and I am currently studying towards a degree in Social Work at the University of Otago. I am passionate about people being able to access the support they need. Life Matters provides such a vital space for people to be able to come and share their stories in a safe and caring environment and I am incredibly happy to be part of the team that supports this mission.
Hi, my name is Olivia and I have been a peer supporter since 2020. I am from the United States but moved out here in 2018 for uni and to be closer to family. I am currently studying a Masters, researching youth mental health, and in my spare time I enjoy skiing, golf, and finding new cafes to try! I joined Life Matters because I wanted to let other people know that they are not the only ones struggling and to reduce the stigma around mental health.
Kia ora! My name is Cuba, and I am an anthropology graduate passionate about the webs of meaning that surround how people engage with mental health and with each other. Holistic and community-based care is such a dynamic space and so needed in Aotearoa’s current mental health landscape. A firm advocate for the power of making and visual arts, I love the space for self-expression protected by the life experience whānau here at Te Whare Tūmanako, the Hope Centre.
Hello! I’m Rifa and I’m from South Asia. I’m currently a fourth year student at University of Otago completing my graduate diploma in public health. I have a great interest in mental health and well-being, and how other aspects of health are affected by mental health. There is still stigma associated with mental health and getting help as well as the lack of cultural representation in mental health spaces. I hope that by volunteering at Life Matters, I can hold a space for both representation as well as help more people to be able to reach out.
Hi, I’m Josiah. I'm a 5th year student with the Otago Medical School currently developing mental health interventions for young people.
I love volunteering at Life Matters because it allows me to be a part of the solution, helping the mental health of Otepoti's hapori whānau.
Kia ora, my name is Bella and I completed my degree in Psychology at the University of Otago. Life Matters appealed to me because we share the goals of reducing stigma around mental health and suicide and increasing support, and I wanted to meet some like-minded people. Everybody has a story to tell and as a Peer Supporter I am able to listen to so many diverse experiences. It is wonderful to be able to spread hope in the community and support the wellbeing of others.
Hello, my name is Olivia King and I am a recent graduate of the University of Otago. Being a psychology student, I have a huge passion for helping others, doing good and speaking out about mental health. I've heard of too many people whose lives have been lost to suicide, and when I saw Life Matters were looking for volunteers to help with newsletter and content work I went for it. I started as a volunteer in July 2018 and now work casually helping create online newsletters, work on training modules and develop content to promote upcoming events. I am so proud to work for a team focused on reducing stigma, educating others and most importantly providing support to those affected by suicide and/or mental health difficulties. I am loving helping develop and build the Trust by working behind-the-scenes and have learnt so much already. Knowing I am working for people who are so driven to spread support, love and acceptance is the most rewarding part of this role and I am so grateful to be in this position.
Introducing Tasher. All muscles, no floof … and a fearless social warrior for supporting mental well-being and suicide prevention. As Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust's official mascot, Tasher is a regular at our Hope Centre, where she does her most precious mahi – providing comfort, cuddles and company to our guests, especially those who are distressed, and, sometimes, suicidal.
Kia ora, my name is Anna, and I am currently studying a degree in Psychology, Marketing and Criminology at the University of Otago. I am hugely passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and am grateful to be able to make a direct difference in the community through peer support. Life Matters provides a critical space for people to be heard, supported and accepted.
Kia ora, my name is Connor. I am one of the peer supporters here at Life Matters. I am currently studying psychology at Otago University. I am hoping to do a masters degree with a focus on men’s mental health. I am originally from South Africa and am so happy to be giving back to my community through Life Matters.
Kia Ora! My name is Hannah and I’m currently in my third year studying medicine at the University of Otago. In my spare time I can be found tramping, climbing, volunteering (or really anything outdoors). I’m passionate about mental health support and I feel lucky to have an opportunity to give back to the community in a meaningful and face-to-face way.
Kia Ora, my name is Jackie and I volunteer as a peer supporter in order to give back to the community.
I decided to sign on as a peer supporter as I have some life experience with mental health and am keen to support wherever I can as no one should have to feel alone. I am keen to offer a supportive, judgement free zone to anyone who seeks assistance from the Te Whare Tūmanako/ Hope Centre.
In my spare time, I am a hobbyist bee keeper and like to get out in nature with my dog.
Hi, my name is Lily, and I am studying sports science and psychology at Otago University. I play netball and love running in my spare time. After seeing all the work Life Matters has done in the community I knew I wanted to join in to learn more about mental health and how I can help others.
Kia ora! My name is Grace, and I am a nature-loving, and adventure-seeking, fourth year Psychology and Neuroscience student at Otago Uni. I am a huge advocate for the power of conversation, and connection, and community as ways to improve not only the mental well-being, but also hauora, of people in distress. The mental health crisis is something that has always weighed heavily on my mind, so I am super stoked to be volunteering here at Life Matters so that I can use my experiences to create a positive change in the lives of others.
Kia ora, my name is Parnia (or Nia if you prefer). My pronouns are she/they. I am a fourth year medical student and I look forward to meeting you! In my spare time, I enjoy reading fantasy books, swimming, doing yoga and playing laser tag with my friends.
Please come and say hi if you see me around! Warm wishes and hugs.
Hey, my name is Bertie! I have just completed my degree in biomedical science and started my honors this year. I enjoy baking, painting and getting outside. I joined Life Matters because I wanted to make a direct impact in peoples lives, especially when it comes to mental health support.
Kia Ora! My name is Will, and I am a Dunedin born student currently studying Law and Psychology at Otago. I wanted to become a peer supporter because I’ve seen, and experienced, firsthand how difficult it can be to get access to mental health support in New Zealand. I love the diverse community we have in Dunedin and want to help create a system that provides care for anyone and everyone who needs it.
