The National Centre for Farmer Health is looking for people to help reduce the stigma and impact of rural suicide on farming communities by becoming a community champion as part of its Ripple Effect project with beyondblue.

“This is not just about helping those who’ve attempted suicide, but the families, friends and others in our communities who have been affected by suicide,” NCFH spokesperson Alison Kennedy said.

“We’re not asking people to hit the road on some major campaign; we simply want to recruit people who can spare an hour or two to learn about what we are trying to achieve with this program.

“We will show you the website and how it works to deliver personalised stories and information to people wanting to know more about suicide and how they can help reduce its effects in rural areas.

“It’s then simply a matter of talking to friends, family, colleagues and community members about the opportunity to tell their story via the Ripple Effect website and access the support available to help put an end to the feelings of guilt, stress, isolation and shame that can both lead to suicide and be felt by those left behind."

Those stories have included the following:

To become a Community Champion participants must attend a one-two online webinar with other champs, where they can hear people’s stories on the impact of suicide, ask questions about the Ripple Effect and learn how to help and direct people to support.

The NCHF is calling on people to register their interest with Alison Kennedy on (03) 5551 8587 or email alison.kennedy@wdhs.net