RESIDENTS from across the South East are taking a stand and breaking the silence surrounding suicide.
Around 30 community members united last month as part of the South Eastern Network of Networks event, which was held at the historic Glencoe Woolshed National Trust.
The event provided an opportunity for established and developing suicide prevention networks (SPN) to come together, share ideas, learn new skills and hear about the best practice in suicide prevention, while sharing their experiences within their local government region.
Opening speeches were made by the Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention John Dawkins, Dave Thompson from the Office of Chief Psychiatrist, Member for MacKillop Nick McBride and Wattle Range deputy mayor Robert Dycer.
Mr Thompson said their speeches elicited the need for community connectedness, early identification of suicidal ideation in the community, with prompt assessment and referral to appropriate services for those in need.
“It was encouraging to see folk from such a wide range of government departments and services as well as community and not-for-profit organisations,” he said.
“This collaborative, community wide commitment to suicide prevention is vital and is obviously already well established in the region.”
He added the event offered an opportunity to refresh old skills and learn new ones, with time to connect with the networks in the area and share good practice.
“Each year the SPNs meet to share good practice, to build on the work already undertaken in regard to suicide prevention, to expand the attendees’ knowledge base, to meet people from other networks and learn from each other,” he said.
“The Network of Networks is the main event for all SPNs to attend annually, but each regional area has its own network of networks to focus upon the issues prevalent to that area.”
Attendees participated in suicide awareness training and were given a taste of the work they would try to achieve within their network.
Experiences of suicide stories were also shared, as well as information from already established networks.
It is anticipated the Wattle Range Suicide Prevention Network (WRSPN) will be established in coming months and Millicent’s Des Noll has been appointed chairperson of the group.
Mr Noll commented on the success of the event, which has given insight to members of the developing WRSPN.
“What a great day, networking with other community people from around the Limestone Coast and beyond who have a very keen interest in this very important community issue,” he said.
“As participants, we listened to guest speakers and participated in an intensive suicide awareness training session which was very worthwhile.
“Connecting with people and looking after our community is a strength that we have and I look forward to supporting our community through the newly formed WRSPN.”
On the day, the Glencoe Woolshed National Trust, Office of the Chief Psychiatrist and the SPNs announced their collaboration for the 2019 Blades of Glencoe shearing event.
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