Would you know where to get someone who was suffering a mental illness and perhaps contemplating suicide help?

What would you do if someone you knew was contemplating or had attempted suicide?

As we head into what can often be one of the most stressful times of the year, Christmas, these are questions you might be faced with.

While the number of suicides in Australia fell last year chairman of the Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention and Awareness Network [SSPAN], Bruce Murphy said there was more work to be done, especially in the Shoalhaven.

SSPAN is a network of representatives from the Shoalhaven community, government and non-government organisations, who work closely with the community to raise awareness of suicide; promote recovery from mental illness; and build individual and community resilience with the aim of reducing the impact of suicide in the Shoalhaven.

“While it’s great to have a specific mental health month and events like R U OK, Movember and the Black Dog Ride just to name a few, we really need to think about mental illness every day,” Mr Murphy said.

“Our philosophy has always been the more people who are educated regarding the possible signs of suicide, the higher chance we have of combating these incidences.”

SSPAM operates out of the Crossroads Youth Health building in Worrigee Street, Nowra, meeting on a monthly basis.

According to Mindframe national media initiative there is almost eight deaths a day by suicide in Australia.

There were 2866 deaths due to suicide last year, which was down from 3027 in 2015.

Men again top the number of deaths, 2151 in 2016, compare to 715 women.

Across the country NSW topped statistics with 805 deaths (614 male, 191 female), a slight decrease from 815 in 2015.

“SSPAN runs several professional development programs and community education sessions as a strategy to help prevent suicide,” Mr Murphy said.

“Those courses include mental health first aid.

“One of our main thrusts has been to try and educate people into being able to read the signs and information victims give out.

“As a funeral director, over the years I have numerous people who have lost someone to suicide say ‘there was no indication’.

“But when they tell their story of what happened, the indications were there they just couldn’t read or recognise them.

“People are often afraid to ask the question - ‘are you thinking about suicide or harming yourself?’

“We need to be more direct - ask the question outright.

“Trained people do that and are able to see the signs.

“A suicide affects everyone.

“We also advocate for the many services that are available when a person is in a time of crisis.”

SSPAN also runs programs for first attending services like ambulance and police.

One of the great initiatives SSPAN has introduced locally, which has since spread across the country and around the world is the Blue Card.

The joint venture with local Rotary Clubs is simple - it is a tool to assist in removing some of the difficulty in asking someone for help.

“Asking for help can sometimes be tough,” Mr Murphy said “but we also know that putting off asking for help can make things worse in the long run.

“We understand it can be hard, and sometimes seem an impossible task, for a young person in crisis to summon up the courage and the words to ask for help.”

The Blue Card can simply be handed to someone instead of having to asking for help.

“A young person in need is aware of what support they are asking for – because it is clearly written on the back of the card,” Mr Murphy said.

“Asking for help can be the first step to recovery and future resilience.”

One side of the card explains what it is about - asking for help. The other side provides simple guidelines for those handed it - stay with the person, listen and get or call for help. There is even numbers for various services which can provide help.

“We have provided Blue Cards to all local schools,” Mr Murphy said “if a young person is distressed or needs help they can use it.

“This has now spread around the country and has been a huge project but one that is so important.

“We also run various other programs within schools to help students deal with day to day problems.

“Leading up to HSC we also run programs at several schools to educate parents about the pressures of the HSC.”

Another program run by SSPAN is Safe Journey Home, providing taxi fares as transport home from hospital.

When Shoalhaven people are taken to Shellharbour due to a mental health issue, when they are treated and released there is often no way to get home.

“We have a program where they can ring a taxi and we will pay for it,” Mr Murphy said.

SSPAN survives through funding grants from state and federal governments and also with great support from a number of local businesses.

The organisation also stages a major fundraiser each year through a trivia night, with April 6 set down for next year’s event.

Donations can also be made on SSPAN’s website, www.sspan.org.au

If this story has raised any issues you are having, to speak with someone immediately, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14,  Beyond Blue 1300 224 636,  MensLine 1300 789978, Kids Helpline 1800 551800, Black Dog Institute 9382 4530, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, Veterans and Veterans' Families Counselling Service 1800 011 046

If life is in danger, call 000 or go directly to emergency services.