Concertgoers at the River Sounds Festival 2021. Photo: River Sounds Festival
A music festival born out of tragedy is hoping to connect a community of mental health champions.
Sophie Temperton's brother Ben took his life on their family farm in 2009.
Temperton turned her family's pain into action with a music festival held on the very farm where Ben lost his battle with mental health.
"The festival started as a memorial for him. We wanted to do something special for him as a family and it just grew from there, it really resonated with people."
After hearing from so many others suffering with their mental health, the River Sounds Festival became a biennial event raising funds for mental health organisations around Aotearoa.
"It's been really healing and so many people started sharing their journeys, which was really beautiful."
Co-founder of the Everyone Hurts Foundation, Temperton said grief can be overcome through forming connections.
"It is not until you open that conversation that others begin to talk as well. I had no idea how many were suffering."
She said there is a mental health crisis in Aotearoa.
"There is so much more we can be doing. I see all the gaps and want to do more, but it is hard to know where to start."
All proceeds from the volunteer-led, not-for-profit festival will be donated to two charities, Te Puna Hauora and Yellow Brick Road.
Concertgoers enjoying a previous festival. Photo: Supplied / River Sounds Festival
As well as helping reduce stigma and isolation, the organisers want to equip attendees with ongoing support.
"We want our festival attendees to form meaningful and lasting connections."
Temperton is saving lives through her work.
"I have had people reach out and say, 'I was encouraged to seek help and talk after the festival.' It is a lot of work, we are all volunteers, so moments like that are incredibly special."
She believed her brother would still be alive, if he had similar support.
"He would have found his community there, I'm sure of that. That was the one thing he was absolutely missing - people he could relate to and who would understand him."
A happy child, Ben began showing signs of schizophrenia as a teenager, but it took 10 years to get a diagnosis. It was withdrawal from his medication which ultimately led to his suicide.
"Ben's death was a tragedy and one that could have been avoided, but it is hard to blame the system for that - there were a lot of things that went wrong."
Temperton doesn't believe the system has improved.
"There are some amazing people doing amazing work but they are just critically under-resourced. People need to get help when they ask for it. Too many are falling through the cracks and it is not going to be solved overnight."
Jessica Mary, also a co-founder of the Everyone Hurts Foundation, said the lack of help available is a national shame, and her foundation aims to fill some of those gaps.
"I have had my own rather harrowing journey with mental illness, and so when my best friend lost her brother I did not hesitate to get involved. She was there for me every step of the way."
Mary said music is a powerful tool for healing, and the festival also provides a safe platform for people to speak.
"I've shared my story at both festivals and it was incredibly cathartic, although terrifying to make yourself vulnerable in front of everyone, but I think talking about it and sharing our stories is the only way to make change happen."
Despite hours of unpaid work, Mary said it is all worth it.
"Even if one person realises they are not alone, we will consider that a huge win."
She said they also aim to eliminate the stigma associated with speaking out.
"We want people to know that suicide is never their only option."
The Everyone Hurts Foundation has raised more than $50,000 through community-based events, and has no plans to slow down.
"This year we have partnered with two local charities offering support treatment to families in the Bay of Plenty."
As Everyone Hurts continues to grow, the River Sounds Festival remains its flagship event.
This year's line-up will feature the Sola Rosa Sound System, Albi & the Wolves and The RVMES.
"It's very special being on the land where Ben passed away, it's a beautiful property by the river in Katikati, it's a very special day," said Mary.
Some of the music fans cool off in the river. Photo: Supplied/ River Sounds Festival
She said mental health conversations are more crucial than ever, with the ramifications of the pandemic yet to be fully realised.
"The crisis is continuing to worsen and the lack of help is unacceptable, so we will try to fill some of those gaps we so desperately need."
The River Sounds Festival will be held on 11 February 11 in Katikati. Buy tickets or make a donation here.
Where to get help:
Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
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