A Hunter crisis support agency is calling on the community to join an online panel discussion on Friday, September 10 to help raise awareness and overcome the stigma surrounding suicide.
Lifeline Hunter and Central Coast are holding a lunchtime zoom panel discussion this Friday for World Suicide Prevention Day, providing a space for people to connect, listen and talk about suicide prevention.
Local executive director Robert Sams said they usually hosted an annual Out of the Shadows dawn walk, but due to the COVID-19 lockdown, they decided to move the event online.
Sams said the dawn walk from Dixon Park to Merewether Beach was a powerful way for the community to remember lived experiences related to suicide or suicide attempts.
Although disappointed the walk could not go ahead this year, he said the online event would help continue a crucial community conversation.
“We can come together virtually to raise awareness about suicide and reduce the stigma that surrounds it,” Sams said.
“Our goal is always to prevent suicide, and our event theme is connect, listen and talk.
“We need to connect and learn from other people’s experiences, listen and be inspired by others’ actions, and keep the suicide prevention conversation going within our communities.”
Friday’s online panel discussion will include four guest speakers who will explore and discuss how everyone in the community can help play a part in suicide prevention.
The panellists include Aboriginal community development officer Maree Edwards, senior peer worker Leanne Cawley, Lifeline coordinator Sophie Anstis, and Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group CEO Aaron Johansen.
Along with the panel discussion, Lifeline’s Virtual Garden is available and open for anyone to use.
Nine Australians die every day by suicide, and more than 65,000 Australians make a suicide attempt each year. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 44.
Lifeline Australia
Sams said it was a space of remembrance and reflection, where people could come together and “remember that they were not alone”.
“Anyone is welcome to plant a flower in our garden to honour someone they’ve lost to suicide, to reflect on their lived experience, or to stand in solidarity as an advocate for mental health and suicide prevention,” he said.
“The Virtual Garden is another opportunity to bring suicide prevention out of the shadows and share a special moment of reflection, remembrance and hope.”
He said the virtual garden recognised and supported many in the community who had a story to share.
The free online event will be held on September 10 from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm. The link can be found via the Lifeline Hunter Central Coast Facebook page.
Lifeline services: Telephone: 13 11 14 (24 hours) l Lifeline Text: 0477 13 11 14 (6pm – midnight) l Chat online: www.lifeline.org.au (7pm-midnight) l Face to face and video counselling bookings: 1300 152 854.
Hayley McMahon
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