In the lead-up to this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day (Sunday, 10th September), Lifeline Northern NSW is encouraging anyone who is doing it tough, to reach out for help through the organisation’s 24/7 phone and digital crisis support services.
Casino’s World Suicide Prevention Day Walk at Queen Elizabeth II Park will send the message that Suicide Doesn’t Discriminate.
Michael Were, General Manager, Lifeline Northern NSW says, “There is really no ‘typical’ person in the context of suicide. We do know that men are more at risk, but suicide affects people with all levels of education, all economic groups in our communities and all ages.
“Suicide can affect any of us and having conversations about suicide are important. With open and non-judgemental conversation there’s sometimes a chance to help someone access the care they need and find hope again.
“It is crucial that no one feels they have to face their struggles alone,’ he said.
The walk in Casino will be nine laps of the oval – one lap for each of the nine lives lost to suicide in Australia every single day. Following the walk the Casino Rotary Club will provide breakfast for the walkers and they will be a chance to remember loved ones lost and support those grieving.
It is free to join Lifeline’s Out of the Shadows walk but we ask that participants please register so that we can cater for numbers and advise of any last minute changes due to weather.
If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to someone you know or call Lifeline. Our Crisis Supporters continue to be available on our 13 11 14 phone service as well as our text and chat channels, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
The annual Out of the Shadows Walk will take place all over Australia on World Suicide Prevention Day to remember the lives lost to suicide, and to raise funds for Lifeline.
Out of the Shadows, Nine laps for Nine Lives Walk - Casino
What: World Suicide Prevention Day Walk
When: Sunday, 10 September, 6.30am for a 7am start
Where: Queen Elizabeth II Park, cnr Hartley Street
Register for the walk: outoftheshadowswalk.org.au/fundraisers/LifelineNorthernNSW
About us:
ABOUT LIFELINE
Lifeline is Australia’s leading suicide prevention service, operating the 13 11 14 telephone line within 41 centres around the nation as well as a 24/7 crisis text, webchat service and Support Toolkit.
The organisation expects to respond to over one million requests for support this year, creating an average of 120 safety plans to keep a person experiencing suicidal ideation safe every day.
Contact details:
Michael Were: 0408 963 917.