Warning: This article discusses suicide.
A poignant exhibition about mental health aims to "create some urgency" for the government.
The Museum of Lost and Found Potential launched on Thursday in London.
Among the objects on display are a tree branch, a pair of riding boots and a chess board.
- Mental health campaigner Jazz Thornton urges Kiwis not to be discouraged by suicide figures
- Kiwi woman Jazz Thornton meets police officer who saved her from taking her life
For 16 people from around the world, these items hold powerful significance. They embody what people have lost, and what they have found in the throes of mental illness.
"I hope it will create some urgency," said Kiwi activist Jazz Thornton.
"There are tangible lives being lost. This will put a face to these statistics."
Thornton is represented by a tree branch, and a note she wrote to her future self during her recovering entitled "Dear Suicidal Me."
The museum holds 16 interactive portraits of people across the world.
They range from the riding boots of an Australian teenager who died by suicide, to an installation which depicts the story of a Ghanaian woman who was fired due to her bipolar and psychosis and how she re-gained control of her life.
The museum was created by Speak Your Mind a global campaign aimed at ensuring mental health support across the world.
Thornton helped launch the organisation at the United Nations General Assembly last week.
Visitors to the museum will be asked to speak their minds and add a 40 second message to the organisations voice petition.
By the time visitors have spoken for 40 seconds, another person will have committed suicide somewhere in the world.
After its world premiere, the museum will travel across the world.
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
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