"It is better a terrible end rather than terror without end".
This quote has come from research into those contemplating suicide and highlights some of the great pain and suffering of those who kill themselves. It also reminds us that suicide prevention is an extremely difficult area to be working in.
It was a recognition of this and wanting to support those who are working to make a difference where they live that lead me to gather a group of people to organise a Forum last Saturday. The Forum brought together community groups who are working to reduce suicide in their communities, and a few people who are interested in starting groups. People came from Hay, Wagga, Gundagai, Beechworth, Coolamon, Temora and Sydney.
The day was one of great passion, very innovative ideas, lots of interaction, good networking and learning. Most of the day was given to groups to share the story of how their group came into being and what they have been doing in their communities.
We heard stories of organising bike rides, media events, music concerts, huge numbers of people undergoing training, innovative ways of getting information into the community and continual efforts to raise awareness. The enormous energy and enthusiasm in the room was very catching.
We also had three excellent guest speakers. Sue Murray, Executive Officer of Suicide Prevention Australia, spoke about the "Communities Matter Toolkit" (more about that later) and how it could be used to help community groups. Tony Cassidy, Wesley Lifeforce, brought to us news of the expansion of the Suicide Prevention Networks and Alan Woodward, Executive Director of the Lifeline Foundation, spoke of what works in communities and self-care.
Lots of people helped make the day work and my thanks to the committee who worked with me and Red Cross and UnitingCare who helped sponsor the day.
Julie Greig
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This quote has come from research into those contemplating suicide and highlights some of the great pain and suffering of those who kill themselves. It also reminds us that suicide prevention is an extremely difficult area to be working in.
It was a recognition of this and wanting to support those who are working to make a difference where they live that lead me to gather a group of people to organise a Forum last Saturday. The Forum brought together community groups who are working to reduce suicide in their communities, and a few people who are interested in starting groups. People came from Hay, Wagga, Gundagai, Beechworth, Coolamon, Temora and Sydney.
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| Part of the organising committee - L to R Alan Woodward, Sue Murray, Merilyn Limbrick, Julie Greig, Tina McManus, Tony Cassidy and John Harper |
The day was one of great passion, very innovative ideas, lots of interaction, good networking and learning. Most of the day was given to groups to share the story of how their group came into being and what they have been doing in their communities.
We heard stories of organising bike rides, media events, music concerts, huge numbers of people undergoing training, innovative ways of getting information into the community and continual efforts to raise awareness. The enormous energy and enthusiasm in the room was very catching.
We also had three excellent guest speakers. Sue Murray, Executive Officer of Suicide Prevention Australia, spoke about the "Communities Matter Toolkit" (more about that later) and how it could be used to help community groups. Tony Cassidy, Wesley Lifeforce, brought to us news of the expansion of the Suicide Prevention Networks and Alan Woodward, Executive Director of the Lifeline Foundation, spoke of what works in communities and self-care.
Lots of people helped make the day work and my thanks to the committee who worked with me and Red Cross and UnitingCare who helped sponsor the day.Julie Greig
If you enjoyed this post please feel free to share with your friends
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