Men in the Macedon Ranges and surrounding areas who have been bereaved by suicide are invited to a relaxed gathering on September 14 to connect with fellow residents.
The barbecue dinner will be held at the Mount Macedon Golf Club on Thursday at 6.30pm to 9pm, and will be followed by a talk from grief and trauma psychologist Dr Rob Gordon.
Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group (MRSPAG) and Jesuit Social Services are supporting group members and peer supporters Marcus Ward and Gerry Leahy to host the gathering.
With the Macedon Ranges recording a higher than average suicide rate, Mr Ward said the gathering is a chance for men to connect in a supportive environment.
“[It’s an] opportunity for men in the Macedon Ranges [and surrounds] to get together with other men in a relaxed environment,” he said.
“There seems to be a reluctance for men to share their grief in a formal [setting but]… we know how important it is and lightens the load.
“[The gathering is] an opportunity [for them] to share what they need to and what they wish to… with other men that have been griefed with suicide.”
According to 2018 data from Northern Western Melbourne Primary Health Network, the annual suicide rate in the Macedon Ranges was 17 per 100,000, which was well above the state average of 10 per 100,000.
Mr Ward said anyone with questions about the gathering can contact them via email, and RSVP is required by September 8.
Details: peersupport@mrspag.com.au
