A recent film screening fundraiser has raised more than a thousand dollars for counselling support for young people in the local community.

A screening of ‘Mountain in My Mind 2: Tragedy Into Triumph’ was organised by Wānaka freeskier Ben Harrington (22) and held at the Wānaka Community Hub at the end of September.

Ben was one of a dozen-or-so snow athletes interviewed for the film, which aims to destigmatise talking about mental health and suicide in the ski industry.

All proceeds from ticket sales were earmarked for local mental health support and, with a strong turnout, $1,273 was raised.

The money was donated to Community Networks/LINK, tagged for counselling within the Community Support Fund, Community Networks/LINK community development coordinator Joanna Perry said.

“A huge thank you to Ben and all who attended the film screening, the proceeds of which will go directly towards counselling for our young people,” she said.

Through the fund, local young people under 18 and their families can receive financial support for counselling with up to $400 available per person. 

“Anyone can access this fund via a health professional, such as a GP, social worker or public health nurse, and we review referrals regularly,” Joanna said.

The money raised from the fundraiser is earmarked specifically for counselling but the Community Support is also available to help people with some of life’s other “tricky expenses,” Joanna said.

“This includes one-off household and living costs such as firewood, fuel and power bills; or school-based costs for students such as uniforms, stationery or camp fees,” she said.

Learn more about the Community Support Fund here.

Watch the trailer for ‘Mountain In My Mind 2: Tragedy Into Triumph’.

 PHOTO: Snow Sports NZ