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WRAD Health brings back Suicide Day march

The Warrnambool community can help to change the narrative on suicide and bring the issue `out of the shadows’ at a walk on September 10.

The local Out of the Shadows Walk for World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 is the initiative of WRAD Health AOD clinician Janette Scott.

“Every day, nine Australians take their own life, a heartbreaking reality that affects countless lives, so we want to walk up to 9km for each of those Australians” Ms Scott said.

“While each loss is deeply felt, there is hope in our collective efforts to prevent suicide.

We will walk together to remember friends, colleagues and loved ones, and help Australians in crisis come out of the shadows and into the light.”

Ms Scott hopes the event will bring more attention to mental health.

“Lifeline used to organise a walk under this banner and I took part for many years and wanted to see it start up again,” she said.

“With my history of working in mental health, I have a commitment to getting the issue out in the public so people aren’t afraid to talk about it. The community needs to be aware that suicide happens. If people are feeling suicidal but realise other people are aware of the issue, they might be able to talk about their problems.”

The walk starts at 6.30am from WRAD Health at 172 Merri Street and will go to the Pavilion. People can walk as long as they like. WRAD Health has invited other local organisations to participate and is encouraging concerned community members to join in.

“We hope people bring a torch to shine a light on suicide,” Ms Scott said.

World Suicide Prevention Day is following the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”. This year, particular focus is being placed on accessibility, with resources translated into more languages to ensure the campaign can reach and engage communities around the world.

People can also donate to https://www.outoftheshadowswalk.org.au/sponsor.