Content warning: This story mentions mental health issues, health diagnosis and domestic abuse.

Tauranga writer Catherine Eaton launched her autobiographical novel, Breath of a Rose, at Turning Point Trust on February 12.

The launch coincides with the 30th anniversary of the community mental health and addiction recovery service.

Known for her colourful personality and love of fashion, Eaton “glammed up” for the launch, reflecting the creativity she brings to both her life and writing.

The book, which has grown from her lifelong love of writing, combines prose, poetry, and songs Eaton has written over many years. She described the work as deeply personal and confronting.

“It’s not for the faint-hearted,” she said.

“I always wanted to write a book, ever since I was quite little. I was quite determined to do this.”

She said writing poetry was a way to release her emotions.

Catherine Eaton’s colourful nails reflect her creative personality. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Her autobiography addresses her early life and challenges, including the death of her father when she was 5, periods of depression and an eating disorder, and experiences of abuse.

“Things happen to people that are really terrible and no one really wants to know,” she said.

“But, you know, this happens to people. What’s happened to me has led me to be the person I am today, and I believe that I am courageous. I am fearless.”

Eaton loves to express herself through fashion and appearance.

“I love clothes. I love to present myself beautifully and artistically, because I was never heard as a young person. I’ll never be invisible,” she said.

Turning Point Trust, based at Tauranga Historic Village, has supported Eaton through her recovery. She described the organisation as a place where she feels “accepted, respected and valued.”

The cover of the book Breath of a Rose. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Eaton first became involved with Turning Point when it was established in the late 1990s and reconnected after returning to Tauranga in 2024.

Through Turning Point, Eaton participates in committees and advocacy work for other members. She and her wife, Sue, who she said, “literally picked me up from the gutter”, have also facilitated storytelling workshops to support others in sharing their experiences.

“Sue is fantastic. I feel really blessed to have someone who believes in me and accepts me and just loves me,” Eaton said.

“It is our intention to go out into the community telling our stories, therefore breaking down the judgements and discrimination.”

Nicki Hockings, Intake Co-ordinator and Sage Team Lead at Turning Point, highlighted the significance of Eaton’s book and the anniversary year.

“Turning Point was started as a small community service in 1996 by people who had experienced mental health inpatient care,” Hockings said.

“And we’ve grown into a large community with over 300 members.”

Turning Point is committed to providing a safe environment for people living with mental illness or addiction, enabling community inclusion and participation.

“Every day we seek to support and empower those who experience mental health, addiction and/or disability, and this book project is an amazing example of that.”

The Breath of a Rose launch at Turning Point Trust celebrated both a new book and the organisation’s 30 years of supporting the community.

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)

• Youth services: (06) 3555 906

• Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234

• What’s Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)

• Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)

• Aoake te Rā – Free, brief therapeutic support service for those bereaved by suicide. Call 0800 000 053

• Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737

• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

If you’re in danger now:

• Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you. • Run outside and head for where there are other people. Scream for help so your neighbours can hear you. • If you are being abused, remember it’s not your fault. Violence is never okay.

Where to go for help or more information:

• Women’s Refuge: Crisis line - 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (available 24/7)

• Shine: Helpline - 0508 744 633 (available 24/7)

• It’s Not Ok: Family violence information line - 0800 456 450

• Shakti: Specialist services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and children.

• Crisis line - 0800 742 584 (available 24/7)

• Ministry of Justice: For information on family violence

• Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga: National Network of Family Violence Services

• White Ribbon: Aiming to eliminate men’s violence towards women.