September is World Suicide Prevention month… and Lifeline Hunter Newcastle is inviting everyone to join the Out of the Shadows Walk this week.
The event, on Wednesday 10 September, encourages people to unite to prevent Australians from facing their darkest moments alone and raises funds to train the organisation’s crisis support workers.
It’s free to join and will start at Dixon Park Beach from 6am.
The Out of the Shadows Walk takes place on a 1.6-km paved surface, suitable for wheelchair access.
Dogs are welcome, too, but must be leashed.
Spokeswoman Emma Askew said Lifeline had hosted similar events in Newcastle for 10 years as “the opportunity to shine a light on suicide prevention and awareness”.
“People walk to remember those they have lost, and to show others who are in the darkness that there is light, and a community who cares,” she explained.
People unable to attend but wanting to participate are encouraged to walk nine kilometres at any time.
Nine is the average number of Australians who die by suicide each day… and each kilometre would represent a life lost.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians 15-to-45, with 75% of these deaths being men.
It is estimated that 54,000 Australians will attempt suicide each year and one-in-five experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime.
Lifeline believes suicide is preventable and, that through compassion, advocacy and support, these statistics can be reduced.
While anyone can be susceptible to suicidal thoughts, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are most vulnerable, with rates two-and-a-half times higher than non-Indigenous Australians.
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community also have up to 10 times the likelihood of attempting suicide than the general population.
Nearly 1.4 million people contact Lifeline annually for help.
You can find information about the walk on the website.
There is also a tribute wall, allowing family and friends to share stories and memories of loved ones they have lost.
Lifeline services are available 24 hours a day: Phone 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or visit Lifeline.org.au.
- University of Newcastle journalism student Zoe K. Jenkins
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