A suicide prevention group working with Macedon Ranges council on a community action plan is encouraging people to ‘‘stomp all over stigma’’ during a Lifeline walk in Woodend next month.
Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group spokeswoman Annie Rowland said events such as the annual Out of the Shadows walk were an important part of efforts to bring the issue into the light.
She said they also reminded people dealing with mental health problems that they were not alone. More than 200 people took part in last year’s event in Woodend.
Ms Rowland said while acknowledging suicide was difficult, doing so as a community could help.
‘‘The walk is an opportunity for us to remember those we have lost, but it’s also an opportunity for our community to show it cares about people who struggle with mental health problems and can provide them with hope for recovery.’’
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows more than 2500 people died from suicide in 2013 – 1000 more than from transport deaths. For every death from suicide, it’s estimated that as many as 30 people attempt to end their life.
Ms Rowland said priority areas of the draft community action plan included increasing community awareness and reducing stigma, advocacy for increased services and better access to support.
The walk is at Woodend Children’s Park on September 13. Registration starts 8.30am.
Details: www.outoftheshadows.org.au or 0411 963 711
Lifeline: 13 11 14
