Book inspires high school drive

After overwhelming support to get the book All Blacks Don't Cry into South Canterbury high schools to help prevent youth depression and suicide, Hayden Vaughan wants to extend the initiative into Oamaru.

Mr Vaughan said he had been inundated with support since launching the project in Timaru, with nine South Canterbury high schools picking up 387 copies of ex-All Black John Kirwan's books, and he hoped that could continue in Oamaru and Ashburton.

When he read the book last February, he said he was instantly inspired and knew that it could educate people on what mental illness was and how it could be managed.

"I read the book and was inspired straight away. I realised that this book is a powerful tool in the battle against depression," Mr Vaughan said.

"It's all about awareness and getting to it before it overcomes you ... I need to get these books out there."

For high school students, the book was an easy read.

Mr Vaughan said it was clear and educated on symptoms, but more importantly what methods Mr Kirwan used to get through his depression.

"The students can identify with their friends as well that there may be issues," he said.

His initial idea was to get people who had a copy of the book to donate it and it would be passed on to a school for a teenager to read, but people soon began buying copies especially for the cause. He was also overwhelmed with support from the local business community in Timaru.

He has already had positive feedback from mothers of students telling him that the ex-All Black had given their children the courage to speak up.

"Their children are now willing to talk about things because JK could talk about it and he's an All Black, so JK makes people realise that it's okay to put your hand up and ask for help," he said.

"The book is just incredible in that way."

Mr Vaughan has not experienced depression firsthand, but had seen friends and family go through some tough times.

"I have been around depression and I know how hard it can be for not only the person suffering but those who are around them," he said.

For now, Mr Vaughan wants to see the project picked up in Oamaru and Ashburton, but he would like to see it go nationwide.

He said it was time to make a difference and put a stop to youth suicide.

In Oamaru, the project was launched just before Christmas, but was yet to gather momentum.

He's got Mr Kirwan's support, and now he needs yours.

To find out more, visit the Facebook page: All Blacks Don't Cry into Schools. In Oamaru, books can be dropped off at Caltex.