The Koi Boys' Kevin Keepa has opened up about the despair and helplessness he feels about his son's suicide.
The VMA award winning trio sat down for a surprise performance at Youthline Auckland’s call centre today.
The Kiwi trio surprised suicide prevention group Youthline this morning with an impromptu performance to say thank you for the work they do.
Mr Keepa has previously spoken out about suicide and dedicated the Koi Boys' Vodafone Music Award to his young niece who tragically took her own life.
But speaking to 1 NEWS at today's event, Mr Keepa was heartbreakingly honest about his own son's death from suicide many years ago.
"Yes I lost my own son to that, to suicide," Mr Keepa said.
"It's a tough one because you don't know what's on their mind but it happened some time ago now but you never forget.
"He was living with his mum at the time. His mum and I hadn't been together for quite some time. As a parent, as an adult you think what could I have done?
"His mum probably thinks the same thing, what could I have done. The worst thing we could do was to blame ourselves for it because you don’t know what’s going through their mind.
"Again you have got to put out that message, you have got to talk to someone. That's all."
The Koi Boys are the headline act at Auckland's Christmas in the Park tomorrow night and all money raised at the event goes to Youthline to provide support to over 50,000 young people each year.
Where can I get support and help?
Below is a list of some of the services available which offer support, information and help.
Lifeline 24/7 – 0800 543 354
Kidsline (aimed at children up to 18 years of age, available 24/7) – 0800 54 37 54
Depression Helpline 24/7 - 0800 111 757
Healthline - 0800 611 116
Samaritans - 0800 726 666 (for callers from the Lower North Island, Christchurch and West Coast) or 0800 211 211 / (04) 473 9739 (for callers from all other regions)
Youthline - 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
What's Up (for 5-18 year olds; 1 pm to 11 pm) - 0800 942 8787
www.depression.org.nz - includes The Journal online help service
www.thelowdown.co.nz - visit the website, email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626 (emails and text messages will be responded to between 12 noon and 12 midnight).
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