Lifeline South Coast volunteers will this year host a virtual Out of the Shadows walk on September 10 to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In another first, the support service is also running a virtual garden, which is designed to send a message of hope and connection to those impacted by suicide.
Lifeline South Coast CEO Renee Green said the region had seen heartbreaking numbers of lives lost to suicide in recent weeks.
"It's important to remember behind all of the statistics, they are people who have died by suicide. They are someone's brother, sister, son, daughter, friend or colleague," Ms Green said.
"It has been a particularly challenging time in our local communities.
"We are hoping that through the walk and through the garden we can just promote hope and a feeling of compassion and support throughout our region."
The Out of the Shadows walk has involved large groups of people in previous years.
We want to send a clear message to those struggling, that they are not alone.
This year, with COVID-19 restrictions in place, people are encouraged to do the walk in small groups.
"The idea is that you start walking at about 5.30 in the morning, when it is dark and you are walking out of the darkness, out of the shadows into the light as the sun rises. That's a bit of a symbol of hope," Ms Green said.
Most volunteers from Lifeline's Wollongong and Nowra offices intend to do the walk on Thursday, September 10.
But Lifeline is encouraging people to do it anytime between then and World Mental Health Day on October 10. Visit Lifeline's website to register.
"We are also encouraging people to share photos of their walk and check out our Facebook page so they can feel connected to what their community is doing," she said.
"COVID-19 restrictions have made it more important than ever to encourage community connection.
"Losing a loved one to suicide is different to any other loss, the stigma surrounding suicide is still very real.
"Often those who are grieving or experiencing suicidal ideation can experience tremendous marginalisation. The COVID-19 restrictions are exacerbating isolation, there are many left to grieve or struggle with their thoughts alone.
"We want to send a clear message to those struggling, that they are not alone."
Ms Green added people can also show their support for suicide prevention by picking one of Lifeline's four virtual flowers.
"The type of flower you pick depends on what you are planting that virtual flower for," she said.
"You might be planting a [Morning Flag] flower in memory of someone lost to suicide. You might be planting a [Magenta Mist] flower for lived experience.
"You might be planting a [Sunny Rambler] as an advocate for mental health and suicide prevention or you might be planting a [Snowflake] simply to show your support of Australians currently in need."
Pick a flower from http://bit.ly/LifelineSCgarden
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.