By Emily-Rose Toohey
The recently formed Southern Downs Suicide Prevention Network (SDSPN) is a locally driven, community-led response to build mental health awareness and reduce the risk of suicide in the region and will be making its official launch during Mental Health Week in October.
According to Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Networks, suicide is a significant concern in Australia, claiming the lives of 3,320 people in 2019.
“Community-based suicide prevention approaches have been recognised as an important component of broader suicide prevention strategies,” the factsheet said.
“Community networks (or community coalitions) can mobilise and coordinate local community services.
“This is achieved through establishing whole of community approaches to address relevant local health and social issues.”
As a result, this recently established group is an important one and Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) community development officer James Wong said it was part of his role to look at gaps in the community, which included helping to establish this group.
“Coming down from Townsville, I was surprised there wasn’t a group here – it’s an issue in the region.”
“I’ve been working on it for six to eight months, from January this year – the purpose was to raise awareness around the issue and have a visible presence in the community and help conversations by reducing the stigma.”
Furthermore, he said that because the network itself is part of the community, it would be valuable to get the community’s ideas.
“For many people involved, it’s personal and they have lived experiences,” he said.
“The model of the network is quite unique and it has been shown through studies that found it reduced suicide rates and had a significant positive impact in the community.”
However, one of the network members, Maritta Hutley, said they were in the start-up stage at the moment.
“We get together to plot our course and what support we want to give – we’ve only had one meeting and are just really trying to get informed,” Maritta said.
“For me, it’s very personal – I lost a family member to suicide and it’s important, especially in the youth area.
“There are lots of stories people have and we think it’s a big issue in Warwick, so we’re stepping into that gap and to add support.”
Moreover, Maritta said that the group’s first meeting brought a lot of skilled and passionate people to the group.
“We hope to be fundraising, for businesses to come on board and will have our big launch during Mental Health Week,” she said.
Maritta also wanted to stress that it was not a closed group and that they were wanting community participation.
As a result, James said they were launching a logo competition for community members to submit their designs to represent the life-saving work done by the SDSPN and embody the rich tapestry of the Southern Downs communities.
“The logo will reflect the positive conversations, connections, hope and support that the network will provide to address the serious issues of suicide and mental health,” he said.
The group held its first meeting in Warwick and Stanthorpe two weeks ago and Suicide Prevention Day is this Saturday.
(SUBHEAD)
Competition details:
Submissions: Digital (Max 10Mb file size .jpg .tif .png) Paper (A4 size)
Competition closes: 5pm Friday 30th September
Winner: Will be announced during Mental Health Week in October –
chosen at random from the entries
Prize: $150 Gift Card
