A push to halve the region’s suicide rate by 2023 will continue on Tuesday with a community forum.
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The Fight For Your Life (FFYL) forum will discuss what support exists and how it can be improved for people at risk, those who have attempted suicide, carers and people bereaved by suicide.
Information from the forum will help to develop a strategic plan for the region.
It will build on a FFYL forum for service providers, held in November, which mapped out existing services and what can be improved as part of an overall suicide prevention strategy.
The first forum, attended by health professionals, emergency services, local government and community organisations, was an important step in the campaign’s goals of prevention, intervention and support for those bereaved by suicide.
Core working group member Chris Healey, a research fellow from Deakin Rural Health said Tuesday’s forum was open to anyone interested in reducing and preventing suicide in our community.
He said it was important people knew where to go for help and support and the group’s goals centered on increased community awareness and access to greater support.
A website is also being developed to provide access to local, relevant information about the services and resources available and would be written in an easy to understand format, he said.
Former beyondblue and Lifeline chief Dawn O’Neil, who has 20 years of experience in the social sector will facilitate the session at the City Memorial Bowls Club. To register call 5564 5806 by 5pm Monday.
- If you or someone you know needs help call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
