Join the 9 km walk to save lives

THIS World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), Lifeline is encouraging Australians to walk 9km to honour the nine lives lost to suicide every day in Australia.

Each year, thousands of people across Australia join an Out of the Shadows Walk in their community to honour and remember those who died by suicide and show support for Australians experiencing emotional distress or mental illness.

Lifeline Australia chair Professor Steve Moylan said bringing conversations about suicide into the light could play a crucial role in breaking down stigma.

“Suicide can affect anybody, at any time – regardless of gender, age, background, or mental health history.

“Behind every statistic is a person, and there are many loved ones left behind learning to navigate life without them.

“When communities talk openly and non-judgementally about mental health and suicide, it becomes a protective factor for everyone, because it really stimulates a sense of belonging and connectedness.

“Not only does this increase the likelihood of people reaching out for support when they need it, it also strengthens the community’s capacity to support those in crisis.”

All funds raised from Out of the Shadows Walks ensure Lifeline can be there 24/7 for anyone who needs help and support, in the ways which suit them best.

 

A donation of $39 can fund one life-saving phone call with a Lifeline Crisis Supporter, $50 can cover two life-saving text conversations, and $100 can support a one-hour virtual face-to-face session with a trained Lifeline counsellor.

In addition to the 9km walk, this year Lifeline is introducing a new one-week challenge (September 10 to September 16) where participants can pledge to walk 63km to remember and honour the 63 Australians lost to suicide every week.

Lifeline is Australia’s leading suicide prevention service, and has a vision of an Australia free of suicide.

It provides all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

This year, Lifeline will receive well over a million contacts from people in crisis. Every 24 seconds, someone in Australia will phone the Crisis Support line.

To donate to Lifeline, head to lifeline.org.au/donate

If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, Lifeline encourages you to connect with them in the way you feel most comfortable. You can phone Lifeline to speak to a Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114, chat to Lifeline online, or get access to the Support Toolkit to self-manage what you are going through at toolkit.lifeline.org.au