Email us at
contact@lifematters.org.nz
Our Charity Number is CC51541
Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust 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 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.
Carolyn is the Chair of Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust. She is extremely passionate about mental health and the breaking the stigma that it creates. How many people actually stop and realise that we all have mental health, as we all have a brain, and just like physical health each one of us is going to have mental health struggles throughout our life, however the stigma often stops us from speaking up and then we lose hope partially because we are scared of the stigmatisation. Hope is often lost in the depths of mental health, but if we create hope through action, we can show those struggling that there is light through having hope. Hope was not something Carolyn always had through her own mental health struggles years ago, and the death of her sister through suicide, but now she focusses with others through being involved in Life Matters on creating hope through support and education. We are all in this together and together we can create hope to help those that are struggling to see it.
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.
Kia Ora, I have been fortunate to be involved in Life Matters for the past 4 years. In capacity as a volunteer, peer supporter and, now, Trustee. Being in the fortunate position of being on the ground and also part of the business side of the trust allows me that inside perspective many are not privy too. Being on boards from the age of 16 I have had the ability to professionally grow across a range of fields. I am also very privileged to be of Ngai Tahu decent and have the lived experience of bereavement from suicide at a young age. If you see me around don’t be afraid to stop for a chat!!
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Kristin is an employment lawyer at a specialist workplace law firm. Kristin carried out her studies at Otago University and has recently relocated to Dunedin. Kristin is passionate about giving back to the community and has previously volunteered for Community Law Otago and Youthline Southland.
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.
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.
Hi everyone! I’m Jemma – a mum of two, student, administrator and peer supporter here at the Hope Centre. When I’m not working, studying, or spending time with my family, you’ll find me with my nose in a good fantasy book. Having the opportunity to support my local community is something I’m thankful for, and I look forward to hearing some of your stories and getting to know you at the Hope Centre.
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.
Hey my name is Sam! I am passionate about mental health and love a good deep yarn about anything under the sun! I study pharmacy, play guitar & help serve in my church.
Hey everyone! My name is Cuba and I’m studying Anthropology and Japanese at Otago Uni. I am very artistic, love everything to do with paints and pencils, and ultimately want to work in the intersection between art, anthropology, and mental health. I think expression and wellbeing go hand and hand, and I love that peer support creates the space where self-expression is valued.
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 4th year student with the Otago Medical School and am currently a part of a research project investigating a mental health treatment that works via helping people find meaning in their life rather than focusing on management of symptoms. I recently immigrated to New Zealand and volunteer at Life Matters in order to give back to the communities that have welcomed me with open arms.
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.
