Lifeline Central Coast will hold an Out of the Shadows Walk to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday, September 10 from 8.30-10.30am.
The 2.5km walk will start at North Entrance carpark on The Entrance foreshore and proceed to the nearby Sensory Garden before returning to the foreshore.
Lifeline is inviting people to come together to remember loved ones lost to suicide and show support for action to prevent suicide.
Lifeline Central Coast services manager Kelly Gavine said the walk is a powerful way to reflect on lived experiences relating to suicide or suicide attempts.
She said it will raise awareness about suicide and its prevention as well as help to reduce the stigma that surrounds suicide.
“We call the walk Out of the Shadows because it helps the community to bring the important conversation about suicide prevention into the light,” Gavine said.
“Together we can learn from other people’s experiences and be inspired by others.
“We can also support people bereaved by suicide or suicide attempts.”
Lifeline is partnering with local charity Iris Foundation, which will have a table at the Sensory Garden where people can write messages of hope and remembrance, to be displayed at the Wyong Milk Factory during September.
The theme of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is “creating hope through action”.
Gavine said Lifeline is there to listen to people in times of crisis and to offer hope on World Suicide Prevention Day and every day.
She said Lifeline is still receiving around 25 per cent more calls to its 13 11 14 service than prior to the pandemic as people deal with cost-of-iving pressures, loneliness and other trauma.
Gavine said everyone is welcome at the event and the walk is accessible for all levels of mobility.
She said those who wish and are able can also fundraise or donate to Lifeline Central Coast to help it bring suicide out of the shadows and in support a local service supporting local people.
To register for the walk visit https://www.outoftheshadowswalk.org.au/fundraisers/oots_centralcoast2023 or get the link at centralcoast.lifeline.org.au
Lifeline offers 24 hour crisis support on 13 11 14 (phone calls), 0477 13 11 14 (text) or chat online at: www.lifeline.org.au
For face to face and video counselling bookings call 1300 152 854.
Source:
Lifeline Central Coast