Jazz Thornton is a New Zealander who turned her own survival into a movement for hope. As a filmmaker, author, and co-founder of Voices of Hope, she uses storytelling to help people feel seen, supported, and less alone. In this guide, you’ll learn who jazz thornton is, how her approach to mental health advocacy works, the projects she’s led, the benefits and limits of this style of activism, and how to choose and use her resources safely in Aotearoa New Zealand.
What is
Jazz Thornton is a mental health advocate from Aotearoa New Zealand known for her lived-experience leadership and practical, hope-led messaging. She co-founded the charity Voices of Hope with Genevieve Mora, created globally viewed videos such as “Dear Suicidal Me,” directed the web series “Jessica’s Tree,” and is the central figure in the 2020 documentary “The Girl on the Bridge,” directed by Leanne Pooley. She has authored books including “Stop Surviving, Start Fighting,” “Letters to You,” and a guided journal for recovery. Jazz Thornton was named Young New Zealander of the Year in 2021 and won Dancing with the Stars NZ in 2022, using the platform to drive conversations about mental health and support services.
Her work is grounded in two ideas: stories change behaviour, and hope needs to be practical. Rather than focusing on statistics or sensational stories, jazz thornton centres safe language, recovery paths, and real tools people can use, whether they are struggling themselves, supporting a friend or whānau member, or shaping policy and media.
How it works
Jazz Thornton’s advocacy blends storytelling, education, and community action. It’s not a single programme—it’s an ecosystem designed to reach people where they are: online, in classrooms, on screens, and in workplaces.
- Lived-experience storytelling: She shares personal recovery insights to reduce shame and build connection, without describing harmful methods.
- Safe messaging: Content follows New Zealand guidelines for discussing suicide and self-harm—avoiding glamorisation, keeping detail minimal, and highlighting help.
- Practical tools: Resources include journaling prompts, conversation starters, and steps for seeking support, making “hope” actionable.
- Partnerships: Voices of Hope collaborates with schools, media, and community groups to scale reach and maintain cultural safety.
- Multiple formats: Films, social media clips, books, talks, and workshops meet different learning styles and attention spans.
- Focus on recovery: The narrative arc moves from struggle to help-seeking to recovery, normalising ups and downs along the way.
The approach is designed to meet urgent need without replacing clinical care. Jazz Thornton urges people to reach out to helplines, GPs, counsellors, and trusted adults, and to call 111 if anyone is in immediate danger.
Types / examples
Jazz Thornton’s body of work spans films, books, and community projects. Here are core examples New Zealanders often look for, and why they matter.
- “Dear Suicidal Me” (video): Short, powerful testimonies from survivors speaking to their past selves. It reframes survival as strength and offers a path forward.
- “Jessica’s Tree” (web series): A nuanced look at suicide through the story of Jazz’s friend Jess, focusing on love, systemic gaps, and how communities can respond.
- “The Girl on the Bridge” (documentary, 2020): Follows Jazz Thornton’s activism and the toll of advocacy work, showing why safe systems and support matter.
- Books:
- “Stop Surviving, Start Fighting”: Part memoir, part toolkit aimed at people who feel stuck and want steps toward recovery.
- “Letters to You”: Short letters of encouragement for tough days—bite-sized hope with practical prompts.
- Guided journal: A structured way to track mood, practice coping skills, and set small goals.
- Voices of Hope campaigns: Co-created stories and resources for schools and workplaces, with a focus on language that helps rather than harms.
| Resource by Jazz Thornton | Format | Best for | Where to find | What you’ll get |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| “Dear Suicidal Me” | Short video | Anyone needing fast, relatable hope | Voices of Hope channels and social platforms | Survivor voices, a clear message that help exists |
| “Jessica’s Tree” | Web series | Parents, educators, peers, policy-minded viewers | NZ media platforms and online | Context, systemic insight, conversation starters |
| “The Girl on the Bridge” | Feature documentary | Viewers wanting a deep dive into advocacy | Streaming/rental platforms in NZ | Behind-the-scenes look at campaigning and cost |
| “Stop Surviving, Start Fighting” | Book | People seeking structured guidance | NZ bookstores and libraries | Personal stories plus practical recovery tools |
| “Letters to You” | Book | Short, supportive reads for hard moments | NZ bookstores and libraries | Encouragement, prompts, gentle wisdom |
| Guided journal | Interactive journal | Teens, young adults, and supporters | Bookstores and Voices of Hope shop | Daily check-ins, coping strategies, reflection |
Pros and cons
Like any public advocacy model, the work of jazz thornton comes with clear strengths and some important cautions.
Pros
- Relatable and de-stigmatising: Lived experience helps people feel understood and less alone.
- Action-focused: Tools, prompts, and scripts make it easier to ask for help and support others.
- Multi-channel reach: Films, books, and social media meet people at different ages and stages.
- Safe language leadership: Strong emphasis on New Zealand’s safe-reporting guidelines.
- Community building: Encourages conversation in schools, workplaces, and whānau.
Cons and cautions
- Possible triggers: Even safe content about suicide can be intense for some viewers.
- Not a substitute for care: Advocacy is not therapy; professional support may be needed.
- Oversimplification risk: Short content can’t capture complex clinical realities.
- Online nuance: Social media algorithms can surface unhelpful content alongside helpful posts.
These are not reasons to avoid the work of jazz thornton; they are reminders to engage thoughtfully and pair storytelling with support.
How to use or choose
Different resources work for different needs. Here’s a simple way for New Zealanders to choose and use jazz thornton’s work safely and well.
Quick picks based on need
- If you have five minutes and feel low: Watch “Dear Suicidal Me” and text or call 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor.
- If you’re supporting a teen: Start with “Jessica’s Tree” and discuss it together using safe-language tips.
- If you want structure: Try “Stop Surviving, Start Fighting” plus the guided journal for daily check-ins.
- If your school or workplace needs a spark: Explore Voices of Hope talks or campaign packs.
Step-by-step: Engage with Jazz Thornton’s content safely
- Check in with yourself: If you feel fragile, set time limits and have support on standby.
- Choose the right format: Start with lighter content before moving to longer films or chapters.
- Use safe language: Avoid sharing method details; focus on feelings, support, and next steps.
- Pair with action: Save helplines, book a GP or counsellor appointment, or tell a trusted person how you’re doing.
- Debrief: After viewing or reading, jot down what helped and what you might try this week.
- Seek professional help if needed: If distress lingers or worsens, reach out to a clinician.
For parents, teachers, and coaches
- Pre-view content and plan a short debrief with open questions: “What stood out? What would help right now?”
- Offer choices—book excerpts, shorter clips, or the full documentary—so people can opt into what feels safe.
- Keep supports visible: 1737, Lifeline 0800 543 354, Youthline 0800 376 633, or 111 for emergencies.
- Model language that helps: “I’m here. I’m glad you told me. Let’s find support together.”
If you need help in Aotearoa
- 111 if you or someone is in immediate danger.
- 1737 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor, any time.
- Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357.
- Youthline: 0800 376 633, free text 234.
- Samaritans: 0800 726 666.
These services are free and available across New Zealand.
FAQ
Who is jazz thornton?
Jazz Thornton is a New Zealand mental health advocate, filmmaker, and author. She co-founded Voices of Hope, created “Dear Suicidal Me” and “Jessica’s Tree,” appears in the 2020 documentary “The Girl on the Bridge,” and writes practical, hope-led books.
What is Voices of Hope?
Voices of Hope is a New Zealand charity co-founded by Jazz Thornton and Genevieve Mora. It uses storytelling and safe messaging to reduce stigma, share recovery tools, and connect people to support. It hosts videos, campaigns, and resources for schools and communities.
Where can I watch “The Girl on the Bridge” in New Zealand?
“The Girl on the Bridge” (2020), directed by Leanne Pooley, is available on streaming or rental platforms in Aotearoa. Availability can change, so search your usual NZ platforms or check film listings.
What books has jazz thornton written?
Her titles include “Stop Surviving, Start Fighting,” “Letters to You,” and a guided journal for recovery. New Zealand bookstores and libraries commonly stock them.
Did jazz thornton win Dancing with the Stars NZ?
Yes. She won Dancing with the Stars NZ in 2022, using the show to highlight mental health support and encourage help-seeking.
Is her content safe for teens?
Her work follows safe messaging principles and is widely used with young people in New Zealand. That said, any content about suicide can be triggering. Offer opt-outs, watch or read together, and keep helpline details handy.
Does jazz thornton offer therapy?
No. She is an advocate and filmmaker, not a clinician. Her resources complement professional care but do not replace it. For clinical support, contact your GP, a counsellor, or call/text 1737.
How do I book a talk or access school resources?
Reach out through Voices of Hope’s official channels. Many NZ schools and organisations use their talks, workshops, and campaign materials tailored for local audiences.
What should I do if I feel triggered by content?
Pause, ground yourself (breathe, move, hydrate), and contact support: call or text 1737, talk to someone you trust, or, if there’s immediate risk, call 111. Choose lighter content next time and set time boundaries.
Why does jazz thornton focus on hope instead of statistics?
Hope helps people act. While data matters for policy, most individuals need permission to speak up, simple language, and clear next steps. That’s where storytelling shines.
How does her work align with New Zealand guidelines?
It avoids method details, uses non-stigmatising language, highlights recovery, and always points to support options—key elements of NZ’s safe-reporting guidance.
What if I disagree with the approach?
That’s okay. Some prefer clinical resources or data-first frameworks. The goal is the same: fewer deaths, more support. Use what helps you, and pair any resource with local care options.
Final word
Jazz Thornton has helped thousands of New Zealanders start hard conversations and reach for help sooner. If you’re exploring her work, go at your own pace, use the tools that fit, and keep support close. Hope is not a slogan—it’s a plan you can follow, one small step at a time.