After witnessing a suicide, losing another friend to suicide and working through his own mental health challenges, Matthew Steans established a New Zealand charity: Hope Upstream Charitable Trust.

The charity aims to work towards zero suicide communities in Aotearoa. The charity researches, evaluates and develops suicide prevention initiatives. We chat today about Matthew’s start in the sector, the challenges he’s faced so far and what he sees for the future in the mental health space. 

Thank you Matthew for your time and energy.