TOMORROW will mark World Suicide Prevention Day across the globe and will coincide with the R U OK? Day of action.
The Gawler Suicide Prevention Group has planned its annual AGM to fall within the awareness week and will host prominent advocates for prevention at the Salvation Army Riverside Centre on Sunday.
As part of R U OK? Day, the local group will support Barossa network Seeds of Hope with its public event tomorrow within the Barossa Co-op.
“The word prevention is really what we want to be focussing on,” Office of the Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention adviser Karen McColl said.
“We will support the Seeds of Hope network with handing out resources and to guide conversations by asking the question ‘are you okay’?
“At the AGM we are really open to and encouraging some new general committee members to come on board.
“People who want to come along to the meetings, but more importantly, people who want to be involved in supporting the network for events.
“This involves setting up the marquee and giving out resources and information, raising awareness, reducing stigma and providing education on referral pathways and where people can self-help.”
Gawler Suicide Prevention Group spokesperson Robyn Stecker said the local network encouraged people to talk about suicide.
“Unless you are in a space where you may need help, people still avoid using that word and feel really reluctant to ask that question ‘are you okay’?” she said. “Are you having thoughts of taking your life?
“Our network is one of 40 across the state. We are not a counselling service as such, networks are generally made up of volunteers and people come with all sorts of skills, have a lived experience or want to learn more on how they may be able to help.
“But we certainly do encourage and assist people in learning how to ask the questions and what to say to someone they may be concerned about.”
The Gawler Suicide Prevention Group AGM will kick-off at 2pm on Sunday.
Ex-Special Forces soldier Nathan Bolton will guest speak, followed by a free afternoon tea.
People have until close of business today to register for the event to (Karen.mccoll@sa.gov.au) or on 0433 222 874.