Community walks for suicide prevention

MORE than 50 members of the Geelong community walked 9km on Tuesday this week to honour the nine lives lost to suicide every day.

Lifeline Geelong and South West Victoria held its Out of the Shadows Walk in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day.

The event aimed to raise funds to support crisis intervention and suicide prevention services on a local and national scale.

Community members either walked at home or attended an organised event at Victoria University in Footscray.

Walkers completed nine laps of the campus oval to acknowledge and reflect on the nine lives lost every day in Australia.

Lifeline Geelong head of corporate and community partnerships Michael Parker said raising awareness could grow a greater understanding of suicide and its impact.

“Talking helps to bring suicide out of the shadows so we can shine a light on this important issue.

“The walk was a powerful way to reflect on lived experiences relating to suicide. It raised awareness about suicide and its prevention.

“On World Suicide Prevention Day and every other day, Lifeline is there to listen to people in times of crisis and to offer hope.”

To make a donation, head to outoftheshadowswalk.org.au/fundraisers/lifelinegeelong

If you need immediate help, phone Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, headspace on 1800 650 890 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.