Trigger warning: This article contains content about suicide. A Hunter crisis support agency encourages suicide attempt survivors to gain help for their recovery through a group program starting this month.
Eclipse is a confidential, eight-week online support group hosted by Lifeline that gives survivors the chance to talk to other survivors and learn skills that may help them cope with feelings and suicide ideation.
Lifeline Hunter Central Coast CEO, Rob Sams, said the Eclipse support group was a safe and non-judgemental place where participants could meet for two hours once a week.
“A suicide attempt is one of the most significant risk factors for further suicide attempts,” Sams said.
“Improving the care for people after a suicide attempt, whether it be recent or an attempt in the past, helps to reduce suicide attempts and suicide deaths.
“Reducing suicide attempts also reduces the impacts on loved ones, friends, first responders and the health service.”
Sams said the program was run by Lifeline facilitators trained in suicide prevention.
Due to it being online, Eclipse is also accessible to people across the Hunter and Central Coast without needing to travel.
He said participants would all start simultaneously and complete the eight weeks together, making it more comfortable to share personal information.
Sams said the program was a support group, not therapy, and although participants did not need a referral, additional support from a health professional was encouraged.
Eclipse is a component of the AfterCare pilot program funded by the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network.
The next Eclipse group starts on February 28 and March 3. To find out more or register, call 1300 152 854.
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