Family Violence Prevention Network Southland

26/07/2026

This article really got me thinking. My algorithm has been picking up alot of these sorts of stories.

At first, I thought it was another story about people using AI instead of seeing a therapist. But after reading it properly, that's not actually what stood out to me.

What struck me was that it suggests AI became an ally to someone who was already experiencing intrusive thinking. Instead of recognising that something was seriously wrong, it appears to have reinforced those beliefs. That's a scary thought!

Now, these are alleged reports and they're being disputed. But I do think it's a reminder that AI has limitations and it is still a new technology that can't replace a human.

I've used AI, and I think it's can be an incredible tool. It can help organise thoughts, explain things, and even help you reflect. But it doesn't have clinical judgement.
It can't read body language, hear changes in someone's voice, or recognise the subtle signs that a trained mental health professional or a friend or family member can.

For someone who is vulnerable or losing touch with reality, that difference matters a lot.

As AI becomes part of everyday life, I think we need to be careful about where we draw the line. It's a great tool, but it shouldn't become the voice we trust most when our mental health is at its worst.

I'd be interested to hear what you think after reading the article.

ChatGPT allegedly assured Madison she was “ready” and “cleared” before she took her own life.

24/07/2026

What a couple of incredible evenings.

A huge thank you to everyone who came along to our Hardcore Honesty events in Gore and Invercargill. These weren't easy conversations, but they were important ones, and seeing so many people willing to show up, listen and be part of them - particularly on a friday night - was pretty special.

The topics were heavy at times, but Richie has a real gift for knowing when to challenge people, when to make them think, and when to make them laugh. It meant people could engage with some really tough subjects without losing sight of just how important they are.

A massive thank you to Richie Hardcore. From our very first conversations, he really listened to what we were hoping to achieve. He took that on board, tailored his content to our communities, and absolutely nailed it. The feedback we've received has been positive, and it's clear so many people walked away with new ideas, different perspectives and conversations they'll keep having long after the event.

To everyone who came along, asked questions, reflected and supported these events—thank you. And to everyone working every day to build safer families and healthier relationships across Southland, thank you too.

Change starts with conversations!

23/07/2026

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Maruawai College for hosting our Hardcore Honesty event with Richie Hardcore this evening. This discussion is raw with information that you want to know more about.

For those who Richie is new to, he has worked in domestic violence prevention for over a decade, he has competed in Muay Thai at a high level and now owns a gym with trauma informed practices where he works with men and youth. He also travels the world educating about social media harm, domestic violence and toxic masculinity.

If you missed tonight's event, we have another opportunity to come see Richie tomorrow night at Murihiku Marae in Invercargill at 7pm.

He speaks about his Gore event on his story if you would like to know more.

Come along and learn about what our young people are seeing, what they are at risk from and how to respond with understanding and knowledge with Richie's engaging presentation.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CmS1idgTF/

Richie works as a Muay Thai & Boxing Trainer, Public Speaker, Educator and MC.

20/07/2026

Some conversations are uncomfortable... but they're also some of the most important.

Join Richie Hardcore for an evening of open, honest discussion about the topics shaping the lives of young people today—relationships, social media, sexuality, communication, mental health, healthy masculinity, and the pressures we all face.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, teacher, family member, coach, youth worker, or a young adult (16+), this is an opportunity to listen, learn, ask questions, and be part of conversations that matter.

📍 23 July | 7:00 PM
Maruawai Senior Campus
28 Coutts Road, Gore

📍 24 July | 7:00 PM
Murihiku Marae
408 Tramway Road, Invercargill

🎟️ FREE EVENT
👥 Recommended for ages 16+

Let's create stronger communities through honest conversations.

Tag someone who should come along. 👇

08/07/2026

Thanks for having me Radio Southland!

How do we talk about relationships, social media, sexuality and the pressures facing young people today? Darren talks to Oleta Crawford from Waihōpai Hauora about information evenings coming to Invercargill and Gore soon.

12/03/2026

Coming Up for FVP: Look out for us at the Multicultural Food Festival and the Women's Health Expo!
We will have information, resources and freebies as well as Matt Brown's book - She is Not Your Rehab for sale at just $20 per book!

01/03/2026

We’re on the lookout for lightweight, easy-to-move furniture to help us create welcoming spaces at our community days 💛
We typically have 2.5m-3m at most to fit this into.

If you’re able to support us through a donation or discounted cost for items like those shown, we’d love to hear from you.

Please reach out to our page — every bit of support helps us bring the community together!