The writing is on the wall.
`Have strength to ask for help to avoid suicide, ’ is the powerful message Pakuranga artists Bryce Williams and Benjamin Work are pushing as they paint a mural on a blank wall located at the corner of Manapouri Place and Gossamer Drive.
Having been affected by the pain of suicide at an early age, Bryce reveals that his first experience of dealing with the shocking event was when his friend took his life.
“I grew up in Pakuranga, going to the local schools, making friends with local kids from the neighbourhood, playing at the park, hanging out at the local shops, skateboarding everywhere– all which are happy childhood memories,” Williams says.
“My friend, a kind, outgoing and fun person to be around took his life in 2004 at the young age of 18. This was my first experience of dealing with such a shocking event which I still feel emotional about.
“He must have felt so alone, so worried and unable to work through problems he was dealing with. Life’s pressures can be so difficult to work through and often we don’t have the confidence to ask for help–and for some people they take their own life, leaving tragic circumstances for all family and friends to forever work through.”
He says the spot where he painted the mural has a special significance.
“I have painted the mural at the Gossamer Drive shop where we used to meet as kids,” says Williams.
“I have learnt to embrace life as much as possible as our lives do have positive futures. Please be strong and ask for help.”
Call Lifeline New Zealand at 0800 543 354.
