Tragically, over 3,000 Australians lose their lives to suicide every year. These people are our family, friends and loved ones.
Join us to walk on World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) to remember those we’ve lost to suicide, and raise funds to provide crisis support and suicide prevention services to save lives.
You can walk to remember a loved one, as a personal tribute for a friend or family member, or to show your support for Australians experiencing emotional distress or mental illness.
Through connection, compassion and hope, we will unite to raise awareness, overcome stigma and commit to preventing further deaths by suicide.
Together, we will ensure that no one has to face their darkest moments alone.
I got the opportunity to chat with Ray O’brien, who takes part in the Out of the Shadows walk, but is also one of the facilitators for the Townsville suicide bereavement support group known as SOSBSA, which stands for Survivors of Suicide Bereavement Support Association. Ray talked to me a bit about the walk and how you can get involved, as well as more about SOSBSA and the support groups here in Townsville that help with both suicide prevention and postvention. Take a listen to the interview below!
Out of the Shadows Walk
About SOSBSA
Lifeline and SOSBSA are not the only to groups here in Townsville that are helping the youth in the Townsville Community. The YWAM Precinct is an integrated adventure-based learning space complete with high and low ropes courses, a cafe, transitional accommodation and a multi-purpose youth space for seminars and other activities!