Wesley LifeForce Networks Day
A day of networking for Networks
On June 3, Wesley LifeForce hosted an information day for representatives from 19 of the 21 Community Suicide Prevention Networks established nationally. Two Networks could not join us due to emergencies where they needed to support people at risk of suicide.
Andrew Mitchell, Director of Wesley Mission’s Mental Health, Employment and Counselling, was the MC for the day and said at its conclusion: “the day underlined the strategic value of community networks in addressing the issue of suicide. Wesley Mission is deeply committed to supporting existing networks and establishing more in the coming year.”
The keynote presentation was from Professor Ian Webster, Emeritus Professor of Public Health and Community Medicine of the University of New South Wales and chair of the Australian Suicide Prevention Advisory Council. He spoke of the need for a community response to the issue of suicide in Australia and how every community was unique and needed its own prevention activities. He also talked about the large number of suicides in Australia, particularly when compared to less developed countries and how self-harm was the end point of a plethora of social problems plaguing relatively wealthy countries like Australia. “There are a myriad of pathways and many avenues of prevention,” he said.There were excellent presentations from the Port Stephens Suicide Prevention network and the Galupa Marnjarr Suicide Prevention Group (from East Arnhem Land NT). The work these two groups presented was very different but very relevant to their local needs. The most emotional discussion was around the activities of the Galupa Marnjarr Suicide Prevention Group and how they have to “beat the bush” when distraught families contact them about family members not returning home. It brought home to participants the very practical need for these networks.
Other presentations were from the National Mindframes Initiative, which provided practical information on handling the media and preparing a media release, and from Michael LaCouteur about fundraising and membership and how the two can work together to benefit a volunteer community group. The day concluded with a forum called Reducing Stigma—addressing barriers to seeking help with Professor Ian Webster, Jaelea Skehan from Mindframes and Penny Mayson, Operations Manager of Wesley Mission’s Suicide Prevention Services.
The input and discussion probably raised more questions than answers but certainly gave “food for thought” for the delegates for further discussion.
The real benefit of the day was the networking. The invaluable connections made will grow and develop as the networks share information and ideas.If you are not involved with a Community Suicide Prevention Network, we urge you to contact Wesley LifeForce by email lifeforce@wesleymission.org.au or on (02) 8922 9095. Suicide prevention requires a whole-of-community approach to tackle the issues and reduce the devastating impact in Australia.
The Wesley Mission LifeForce Suicide Prevention Program gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing through the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.
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