Walk to prevent suicide

LIFELINE Northern NSW is calling on the community to join its “Out of the Shadows Walk” in Ballina this Sunday, September 8, to remember those lost to suicide and support ongoing suicide prevention efforts.

The walk, part of the lead-up to World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, aims to raise crucial funds and awareness at a time when Lifeline expects to receive over one million calls for help this year alone.

Lifeline is Australia’s leading suicide prevention service, providing people experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide services.

Each year, more than 3,000 Australians lose their lives to suicide.

“Every 29 seconds, someone in Australia will call the crisis support line,” a Lifeline spokesperson said.

“We want to ensure that no one has to face their darkest moments alone. Through connection, we can find hope.”

The walk helps raise funds, awareness and support for suicide and suicide prevention.

Every dollar raised will go towards helping Lifeline provide 24/7 crisis support to help people experiencing emotional distress.

Out of the Shadows Walk in Ballina is a 9km coastal walk beginning at 5.30am at Missingham Park, and proceeding to Angels Beach and back along the coastal path.

Paid corporate team sponsorship is also available.

A walk is also being held at Casino’s Albert Park Cricket Oval, where walkers will do nine laps of the oval.

Registration online is free at pages.lifelinedirect.org.au.

Anyone needing support can call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14.