
After recently opening its new Community-Led Safe Space, Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group (MRSPAG) is calling for lived experience volunteers to join its support network.
Group chairperson Sarah Lungu said that the “more people we have trained up, the better,” with the volunteers receiving ongoing training, support, and debriefing opportunities to support people experiencing emotional distress or suicidal ideation.
The criteria for volunteers is that they must have a lived experience with suicide – including experiencing suicidal ideation themselves, caring for someone close to them in suicidal crisis, or experiencing suicide bereavement from a friend or family member.
“I highly recommend it … you’re around people who understand and get you … MRSPAG has been a massive part of my recovery,” Ms Lungu said.
Volunteers are also able to work at the organisation’s community-led safe space, which offers support and a comforting space to those experiencing suicidal ideation or emotional distress outside of a clinical setting.
Ms Lungu said that she encourages anyone experiencing a suicidal crisis or distress to feel welcome in visiting the centre.
“We’ve done our research and we know that there is a need for it … so we just encourage people to spark their interest and see what it’s like,” she said.
“We’re happy for anyone to reach out to us and ask questions. We don’t want anyone to fear coming … we’ve been there, that’s why there’s that lived experience [criteria] – we see you, we understand you. Please let us help [and be] part of your recovery.”
The centre is open from 5.30–8.30pm on Wednesday each week and fortnightly from 1–4pm on Saturday at Woodend Neighbourhood House, 47 Forest Street, Woodend.
Details: mrspag.com.au
Oscar Parry