The Bundaberg Suicide Prevention Network is hoping to raise awareness and support on World Suicide Day by hosting the Out of the Shadows Walk.
Held in Bargara on Saturday 10 September, the walk aims to not only raise awareness of suicide prevention but also provides the community an opportunity to remember those lost.
Chair of the Bundaberg Suicide Prevention Network David Facer said the event had been running for the past five years.
“We have held the event in Bargara and as it is called ‘Out of the Shadows', it is done early in the morning at sunrise,” he said.
“We have great people helping including the Rotary Club of Bundaberg City Daybreak who will be putting on a sausage sizzle breakfast.”
David said the walk would leave from Turtle Park at Bargara and head towards Nielson Park Beach Surf Club.
“We are leaving from the Turtle Park boardwalk at Bargara around 5.30 am and we will stroll up to the surf lifesaving club and beach where there will be a labyrinth done by Cynthia Hoogstraten, who always supports the event,” he said.
“We will have a few minutes there to remember those lost to suicide and we will place petals in the water to remember.”
David encouraged anyone who had lost someone to suicide, or those who would just like to offer support, to join in the walk.
“It is important that people attend if they have lost someone to suicide because it really represents the phrase that you are not alone,” he said.
“This is a way of supporting each other.”
New website highlights local services
The organisation will also mark World Suicide Day with the launch of its own website, created to specifically help locals.
“While you may google suicide and see Lifeline and other national companies come up, there is not a simple way to find local services,” David said.
“Our website will still include the national organisations but will also highlight the local services and organisations people can contact if they may be needing help.”
The website will be live from Saturday 10 September.
If you or someone you know needs support, contact the Suicide Prevention Network here or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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My wife and I are interested in joining the walk