500 residents walk to raise awareness of suicide
“The significance of this event is massive, we need to break the stigma and open the discussion and talk about suicide.”
YouMatterWalk (YMW) for suicide awareness took place recently at the Hillcrest sports campus of the University of Pretoria.
YMW is a charity event started by three residents that have been affected by suicide in their lives. Christia Uys lost her husband, Jaco, in January 2020, Ilse Meiring her husband, Deon, in October 2019; and Carla de Jager her father, Nico, in January 2016 to suicide.
The trio founded YMW towards the end of 2021, to give space to those suffering from mental health to receive support.
“The aim of the YMW is a three-fold message: firstly, we want to give people hope by encouraging them to talk about their struggles with suicidal thoughts and create awareness by reminding everyone it’s okay to not be okay,” said Meiring.
“Secondly, we want to crush the hush-hush culture around mental health and suicide discussions. And thirdly, we want to give hope and support to those affected by suicide loss through various organisations and support groups which will now be established. Also, for them to know that their story isn’t over,” continued Meiring.
The first walk, which started at UP covered 4km and was attended by approximately 500 people and more virtually.
“If we could reach out to even one person, give that one person hope and reach out to ask for help, our walk and message would be worth it. We would know that we had an impact and saved a family from the heartache and devastation left behind by suicide.
“The significance of this event is massive, we need to break the stigma and open the discussion and talk about suicide,” said Uys.
People from as far as Kruger Park, Stilbaai, Riebeek West, and even Scotland as well as the UK showed support for the initiative, virtually, or in person.
Francois Louw, CEO of Vista clinic, one of the major sponsors of the event said: ‘‘The stigma of suicide means we don’t want to talk about it, but we need to talk about it. I lost my first wife to suicide, therefore I am so thrilled to be part of the YMW, an initiative by these three women who all have been affected by suicide. They are ticking this box that no one has ever dared to tick and that is to say, ‘let’s talk about this’,” said Louw.
YMW previously partnered with the likes of TuksSport, The Potato Foundation, Gautrain, Sadag (South African Depression and Anxiety Group), GoZone Water, Jacaranda FM, Mediclinic and Impact 103, among many others.
Event attendee and mother of late hip-hop star and fashion designer Riky Rick, Louisa Zondo was accompanied by Rick’s partner Bianca Naidoo and other family members. Riky Rick passed away earlier this year due to suicide and Zondo hopes the works of her son will spread light and positive energy to those who are feeling that suicide may be the answer.
“When we allow ourselves to remember who our loved one actually was and continues to be in our lives and in this world, all the lies that come from those places of deep pain and the emotion that comes with it, fizzle away and the truth shines itself upon us.
“For me, Rikhado’s short 34 years of being with us in this part of life, when listening to a lot of archives, including interviews he recorded and reflections about his life reveal how he was so intent upon calling all of us to love, to care and to actually live out that loving and caring kindness towards each other every day,” said Zondo.
YMW said that more people, especially men should never be afraid to speak out about mental issues they struggle with and that breaking the stigma can save countless lives.
Support groups that will be established will include professional organisations to assist those in need. Other suicide awareness initiatives, events and talks are also in the works. Those interested can visit www.youmatterwalk.co.za or check out @you_matter_walk on Instagram.
YMW plans to make the walks annual, with the next one currently being planned for September 10 in 2023.
In the event of a suicide emergency please call Sadag’s 24-hour suicide crisis helpline on 0800 567 567 to talk to a consultant.
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** Article amended
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