A SUPPORT network has been established in the Wattle Range region focused on filling the gap in suicide bereavement and prevention services.
The Wattle Range Suicide Prevention Network has united a diverse range of people to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
About 20 committee members meet monthly and discuss ways to encourage conversation and break the silence on suicide in the region.
The next meeting will be held in Penola on Thursday and residents throughout the district are invited to attend.
Network chairperson Des Noll said community conversation across the Wattle Range region was vital.
“Sadly with suicide there are no boundaries of who can be affected,” he said.
“We as a community need to be prepared to tackle the tough issues around it.
“The network provides a platform to engage in this vital community conversation that needs to be had.
“I encourage any person who has an interest and would like to be a part of the conversation to attend the Penola meeting.”
The network aims to foster a sense of belonging to a caring community in which members are accepting and supportive of each other.
It promotes and values voluntary participation, links people and communities affected by suicide to timely and appropriate intervention and support and continues the important conversation within the community.
Thursday’s committee meeting will be held at the Penola Visitor Information Centre from 6pm.
Penola resident Lucy Williams will be a guest speaker.
Lucy lost her father, Mark, to suicide four years ago and her family has worked hard to break the silence and stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.
She will share her own experience, discuss the importance of having a suicide prevention network committee in the region and how it can be used as a platform to engage the community to have important conversations.
Anyone is welcome to be part of the community initiative.
Contact brooke@setimes.com.au for more information.
