Starting important conversations

Inspirational speaker & awareness campaign on the horizon

The Wattle Range Suicide Prevention Network was the recipient of a Wellbeing SA’s Suicide Prevention Community Grant earlier this year and the support event and accompanying education project earmarked for that funding are on the horizon.

Network spokesperson Marg Chapple said the Wellbeing SA funding had enabled the group to enlist mental health guest speaker Kym Inglis (pictured) for a community event, while an awareness campaign that the group had previously rolled out was set to be revisited and extended.

“The funding has not only allowed us to get Kym (Inglis) to come and tell his story but also the designing and printing of approximately 20,000 coasters providing positive mental wellbeing messages on one side and support helplines listed on the other, to be distributed to hotels and sporting clubs,” Marg said.

“We have done the coaster project before and it is a good way to get those mental health conversations happening and also letting people know where they can find help.”

Wellbeing SA’s Suicide Prevention Community Grants aim to help local groups deliver suicide prevention initiatives tailored to meet the needs of their community and groups, including the Wattle Range Suicide Prevention Network, received funds by demonstrating their ability to promote positive action and reduce the stigma associated with mental health and suicide through individual projects.

The education session with Kym Inglis is on Friday, May 12 at 7pm.

Kym’s life changed in 2010 when he lost his wife and two children in a car accident. His story is a message of hope, strength, resilience, courage, grief, vulnerability and heart expanding love. His story, in its humble delivery, touches raw spaces, expands hearts and strengthens resolve to dig deep amid adversity. Kym aims to help humanity maintain hope and resilience, to remain open hearted and to encourage people to seek support.

Supper will be provided for this free event so a RSVP for catering purposes can be made by emailing wattlerangespn@gmail. com or sending a message to their facebook page.

The coaster project is also soon to be rolled out as the second part of the funding spend.

South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton said many South Australians have been impacted by suicide in some way, which can have a lasting impact on families and the community.

“The recipients of the Suicide Prevention Community Grants have an opportunity to help South Australians, break down stigma, and increase connections within communities in metropolitan and regional South Australia,” Minister Picton said. “I look forward to seeing the work these community groups and non-government organisations undertake and how their impact can help save lives.”

Wellbeing SA Chief Executive Lyn Dean said the recipients of the 2023 grants are all endeavouring to improve mental health and reduce the stigma of suicide in their communities.

“These grants can be instrumental in promoting positive ways communities support one another and the diverse action that can be taken to shine a light on mental wellbeing,” Ms Dean said. “Suicide is complex and many factors can contribute to suicidal distress. With ample support and awareness, this may help improve the mindset of those in distress.”