THE Mount Gambier community will come “out of the shadows” as the sun rises over the Blue Lake tomorrow morning to help raise suicide awareness.
Lifeline South East is holding the Out Of The Shadows event for the 12th consecutive year and is encouraging people in the region to attend the free community breakfast at 7.30am at the Mel Hirth Lookout adjacent the Blue Lake.
Lifeline South East chief executive officer Eve Barrett said the event was symbolic of how far the community had progressed regarding suicide awareness.
“We are gradually moving out the shadows and darkness in regards to the stigma of suicide and moving into the light of greater understanding for people who have been bereaved by suicide,” Ms Barrett said.
“It is just a great chance for the community to come together and recognise suicide is a concern in the South East.”
The Lakes Rotary Club of Mount Gambier has supported the event since it was first held and it is also sponsored by the Mount Gambier and Grant District councils.
Ms Barrett said the event attracted a range of people who had either been affected by suicide or recognised the need for greater awareness.
“There will be people who have been bereaved by suicide, but there will also be people who are just concerned about suicide in the family,” she said.
People who attend the event will also be encouraged to share a walk around the lake and enjoy the rest of the morning.
“We do not organise a walk because we want to be inclusive, but we do encourage everyone to enjoy the day and go for a walk or just enjoy each other’s company,” she said.
This year the event will coincide with the You Can Talk campaign, aimed at giving people the confidence to respond to friends and family when they need help.
Ms Barrett said the fresh campaign was an indication of Australia’s growth toward reducing the stigma associated with suicide.
“When I first started this 12 years ago, people were really aghast that we were going to use the word suicide because it was a taboo subject,” Ms Barrett said.
“Now, sadly most people know someone or have some connection to suicide.”
