Over 3000 Australians lose their lives to suicide each year, so Lifeline Broken Hill Country to Coast (LLBHC2C) is inviting the Broken Hill community to join them at sunrise for the Out of the Shadows walk to remember lost loved ones on Friday September 8.
With World Suicide prevention Day recognised on September 10, the Out of the Shadows walk on Friday is to remember loved ones who have suicided, to raise funds to provide crisis support and suicide prevention services that 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,” said a Lifeline spokesperson. “We will walk together to remember loved ones and help other Australians in crisis come out of the shadows and into the light.”
Through connection, compassion and hope, Lifeline says the plan is to 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,” they said.
Mali, a social work student from Yackandandah in Victoria, made Broken Hill and the Lifeline Connect Centre her destination of choice to complete her university placement.
“I chose this rural town for things like the Out of the Shadows walk that show the strength the community has in coming together to prevent things like suicide and have important days like this. I thought it would be an amazing experience to work in a rural community to see how they use their strengths and connection to combat issues with limited resources,” said Mali.
Broken Hill Out of the Shadows walkers will meet at Lifeline Connect Centre at 194 Argent St on Friday September 8 with the 1.5km walk starting at 6am so be sure to arrive at 5:45am in comfortable shoes ready to remember those lost to suicide.
If you’re unable to do the walk but would like to make a donation, please go to: outoftheshadowswalk.org.au/fundraisers/oots_brokenhillcountrytocoast2023?fbclid=IwAR1ESr9MeCZtiId5RGQ03poE39M1s_GvRyuu1iL7TY_r2Pt-ySXLtnswYF4
For more information about the Out of the Shadows walk, visit: outoftheshadowswalk.org.au/home, and the Lifeline Connect Facebook event page at fb.me/e/1xrhsGvwI or you can call Rebekah Eckert on 0417 817 760.
