World Suicide Prevention Day will be observed in Deniliquin on Tuesday.
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The Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group (Deni MHAG) coordinated event seeks to promote stigma reduction, encourage help seeking, and honour the memories of those lost to suicide, those who have survived suicide attempts, and those who bear the weight of grief.
Tuesday’s event will take place from 12pm to 2pm at the barbecue area in the Deniliquin Waring Gardens.
All of the community is invited to participate in a short 30 minute walk, leaving from the barbecue area in Waring Gardens at 12.30pm.
The walk will proceed through the gardens, along the river walk, through Island Sanctuary and returning to the Waring Gardens via Harry Pepper to pick up a coffee.
Back at the barbecue area, a free light lunch will be serviced.
Those who are not up for a walk but want to be involved, participate or show their support can simply drop by any time between 12pm and 2pm for lunch and a chat.
Deni MHAG president Alison Thorne said a wide range of free resources will also be available for community.
“Suicide has a devastating impact on families, friends and whole communities.
“We can all play a role in reducing risk of suicide, and one of the things we can do is to make sure we know how and where to find help for someone who might be at risk,” Ms Thorne said.
“Playing a role in reducing risk of suicide also requires input and action from the community, and we are inviting anyone wanting to engage in conversation about this to drop by for a chat and share their ideas”.
The Deni MHAG website provides some excellent information about how to help someone who is experiencing high levels of mental distress or feeling suicidal.
In those situations, the following actions can be taken:
• If a life is in danger, call 000 straight away.
• Go to your closest emergency department (provided the person is safe to put in a vehicle, and you are safe driving them).
• Call Accessline on 1800 800 944.
More information about the steps to take, and other 24/7 support services, is also available at www.denimentalhealth.org.au/urgent.
Tuesday’s event will be supported by the Deniliquin Mental Health Drug and Alcohol team and Wellways.
Wellways offers the Way Back Support Service for individuals and families following a suicide attempt, as well as well as bereavement support following a suicide.
This activity is also supported by firsthealth Limited and Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network Community Grants, through the Australian Government’s PHN program.
To find out more Wellways services, go to www.wellways.org/service-category/suicide-prevention-and-recovery/.
• If you or someone you know needs support, call Accessline on 1800 800 944 or Lifeline on 13 11 44, or visit www.denimentalhealth.org.au/urgent for other pathways to help.
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