'It will change a life' - Taranaki locals dance for mental health charities

Some of Taranaki’s best-known locals are pulling on their dancing shoes tonight to raise money for mental health.

Personalities across sport, business, the arts and even politics are joining together for Dancing For Hope.

The event’s been organised by Devon Intermediate teacher Adara Segedin, who’s been on her own mental health journey.

“I spent time in a respite care centre and was unable to work and had lots of psychiatrist trips and psychologist trips. Those all come with a hefty cost,” she said.

Luckily for Segedin, she had support and the funds to get help in the private system. But she’s aware many others don't.

"To put it in perspective, I went through a really rough time this time last year — I only just got my appointment at the hospital this week."

Inspired by the TV show Dancing with the Stars, she called on Taranaki’s best-loved celebs to lend a hand – like Cole Brown, general manager of the Taranaki Airs basketball team.

“I am notorious for not dancing,” Brown said, noting that on this occasion he's made an exception. “It's something that affects all of us in daily life, and it's pretty tough out there at the moment.

"I'm just glad to be able to help out.”

All the money raised from the live show will go to mental health services, including the Taranaki Retreat.

The charity was created by Jamie Allen in 2017 after he lost his 12-year-old daughter Carrie to cancer. The family had spent time in Ronald McDonald House and was struck by the care they received. They were inspired to create something similar but focused on mental health support.

They sold their family home to fund it and have helped thousands of New Zealanders since.

"It’s a little charity with a big loving heart," Allen said.

"It’s a place where people can turn to when things are really going to custard in life. Some people are in considerable suicidal distress and a stay can bring back hope."

The recent economic downturn has made charitable donations harder to come by.

"It has been the hardest couple of years keeping doors open. The bottom line is we're there to stop suicide. We are about actually saving lives," Allen said.

Organising Dancing For Hope has been a lot of work for Segedin, who needs to write school reports as soon as the event is over.

"I am running on about two hours of sleep each night at the moment. I was a bit ambitious running this on my own, but every moment of this is so worth it," she said.

"I know it will change a life. Many lives."

Segedin said she was coming home from dance practice when she had a sudden realisation.

"I thought, 'This time last year, I didn't think I'd be in this position'," she said.

"I didn't think I'd even be alive, let alone organising an event and meeting the people I have who've come together to do this for others. It's incredible."

The event is sold out, but a Givealittle page has been set up, with every donor receiving an invitation to watch the event via livestream.

The funds raised will be split between I Am Hope/Gumboot Friday and the Taranaki Retreat.