Walk to be held on Suicide Prevention Day

An Out of the Shadows walk will be held at Umina Beach as part of Lifeline's annual wak to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.

The walk will start at 9am on Saturday, September 10 from Umina Beach Surf Club and will be a short walk with a brief reflection on the water's edge along the beach.

"The aim of the walk is to also get the community talking about suicide, learning about suicide prevention and talking to each other to save lives, said psychologist Dr Joe Tighe from Coast Community Connections,

"Everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide.

"We need to take care of our own health and have the courage to check in on our family members and friends who may be struggling with life's challenges," he said.

Interested locals can turn up on the day or pre-register for the walk.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44 and men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women.

Suicide prevention work is grossly underfunded, yet more people die from suicide than road or traffic related accidents, he said.

The event aims to raise awareness, remember those lost to suicide and unite in a commitment to prevent further deaths by suicide.

"Times are changing and more and more people are talking openly about suicide, about their losses and their own struggles with life," Dr Tighe said.

"More and more people are getting help when they need it, which is encouraging," he said.

"This event builds on the changing attitudes in the community and gives another opportunity for people to connect with each other.

"We hope our walk, held on World Suicide Prevention Day, reinforces hope, recovery, reflection and prevention.

"Awareness campaigns like Lifeline's Out of the Shadows is so important because we believe it will help to raise awareness of suicide prevention and encourage help-seeking," Dr Tighe said.

"Last year people from all walks of life attended for their own personal reasons, and we hope to see them again this year in addition to many new faces," he said.

Coast Community Connections has organised bacon and egg rolls and refreshments to be available after the walk and has received support from the Rotary Club of Woy Woy, Umina Beach Surf Club and the Umina Beach Cafe.

If you are thinking about suicide or concerned about someone else, call Lifeline on 131114 or for emergencies call 000.

Media release, 18 Aug 2016

Katey Small, Brilliant Logic