Lifeline Fiji which is the only organization dedicated to suicide prevention, intervention and response has received around 400 calls so far this year.

Through their toll-free helpline, 132454 the organization has so far dealt with different kinds of issues.

Lifeline Fiji organized an inaugural Gala Event to help raise more awareness and fundraise as well.

Officer-in-charge,  Jeremaia Merekula says the Gala Event was aimed at creating more awareness and increase their visibility to rural and maritime areas.

One of the things we would like to do is to raise awareness and bring light to communities and raise much awareness on mental health and suicide not only at the four corners of our walls but on the grass root level as well.

Meanwhile, former All Blacks 7’s Captain DJ Forbes who was the Chief Guest at the Gala event said that he fully supported raising awareness around mental health and that there is hope for those suffering.

I think it is important to find a support team that they can turn to, to realize they are not alone although it might feel like that. It is important that they reach out that’s why events like this are really good.

The Gala event was attended by hundreds of Fijians to show their support for the work being done by Lifeline Fiji.