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ABOUT 120 people traipsed along the Bega River Reserve on Wednesday, October 28, aiming to prevent suicide in the community.
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The lives of some had been touched by suicide, among other mental health issues, but the general atmosphere at the Bega Valley Suicide Prevention Action Network’s (SPAN) second Walk With Us event was one of hope and support.
One of the people attending was Sue Cox of Brogo, who said community events such as Walk With Us were very important to her.
Her twin brother took his own life just before their 25th birthday.
“The pain doesn’t go away,” she said.
As it happened about 30 years ago, Ms Cox said it was a time when nobody wanted to talk about suicide.
While things have changed now and it is easier for people to discuss the subject, she said more work still needs to be done.
Ms Cox works at the Bega veterinary clinic and said the number of suicides among people in the veterinary field is quite high.
She said this is partly due to the access vets have to drugs, the pressure of their jobs as they see many sad things, and not having social lives as they work long hours.
Faye Harrison of Wolumla and Kim Donaldson of Bega also joined in the walk.
Ms Harrison said she attended as she wanted to support ways to prevent suicide and help people suffering from mental health issues.
“[Walk With Us] makes us feel like we are not alone and that we have peer support,” Ms Donaldson said.
Before the walkers set out, SPAN chairperson Liz Seckold talked about how the event had been put together in the last three months and thanked all the SPAN volunteers for their hard work.
“The aim of Walk With Us is for the prevention of suicide in our community as well as reducing the impact on those bereaved by suicide,” Ms Seckold said.
“The sad fact, highlighted by beyondblue founder Jeff Kennett, is that the number of deaths by suicide is substantially higher than the road toll.
“We need to be lobbying state and federal governments for preventable programs.”
At the event, there were information stalls belonging to RichmondPRA, the Schizophrenia Fellowship and WorkAbility.
The Bega Salvation Army held a barbecue lunch while band The Hoops performed.
- If you are feeling depressed or in need of assistance, talk to your local GP or health professional, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, or visit www.beyondblue.org.au.
