Jazz Thornton was born on 29 March 1995 and is a New Zealand mental health activist, author, speaker, TikToker and filmmaker.
14 Facts About Jazz Thornton
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Jazz Thornton has written three books: an autobiography Stop Surviving, Start Fighting, My Journey Starts Here, a guided journal for improving well-being, and Letters to you, a book of letters to provide support, information, encouragement and tips on practical help for anyone suffering low moments.
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Jazz Thornton was declared 2021 Young New Zealander of the Year.
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In 2016, as a film student, Jazz Thornton created the viral video Dear Suicidal Me, which featured people, including Jazz Thornton, who have tried to end their life.
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Jazz Thornton was the youngest ever person to win it.
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In 2018, Jazz Thornton met Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their visit to New Zealand.
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In 2019, Jazz Thornton took part in the United Nations' mental health campaign Speak Your Mind and co-hosted the launch in New York.
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Jazz Thornton urged Kiwis not to be discouraged by suicide figures.
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In 2020, Jazz Thornton wanted to search for the stranger who prevented her suicide attempt.
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Jazz Thornton produced the documentary Jessica's Tree on the suicide of her friend Jess.
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In February 2021, Jazz Thornton said the Ministry of Health silences criticism about New Zealand's mental health.
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Jazz Thornton said after the film The Girl at the Bridge was released, government-funded mental health organisations that initially supported the project backed out because they couldn't be seen endorsing something critical of the Ministry of Health.
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Jazz Thornton won the 2022 season of the dancing show Dancing with the Stars.
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In 2020, Jazz Thornton was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.