SUICIDE prevention advocate Des Hudson says increasing talk about the crisis facing our communities was important, but it was important more people know what to say.
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Ballarat and District Suicide Prevention Network, partnering with Lifeline Ballarat, funded more than 200 people across the city to train in safeTalk. The program aims to equip people with knowing what to say and how to approach a loved one, colleague or neighbour who might be struggling to let them know they are not alone and to best direct to professional help if needed.
Police Leading Senior Constable Hudson, who is also a City of Ballarat councillor, said it was great to have so many groups in the community promoting a similar message because this should help to reach far more people across demographics in what was such a complex issue.
But it was important to know how to act next.
"The more groups, the more powerful the discussion on suicide prevention and that's the key," Leading Senior Constable Hudson said. "When you ask 'are you okay', I know what the next three or four questions I need to ask next and it's being comfortable to ask those."
Figures revealed earlier this month show Ballarat's male suicide rate is 30 per cent above the state average.
A state government place-based suicide prevention trial is underway in the city, drawing on frontline health and welfare workers and community leaders to help identify gaps in support.
Ballarat and District Suicide Prevention Network aims to train 100 Ballarat people each year in safeTalk. The education program is funded through the network's annual Beat N the Blues gala.
Leading Senior Constable Hudson said the gala was about keeping legacy relevant. He said some people come for personal reasons, others come to support community awareness. But the gala was also a celebration through food and music.
All money raised goes back into the network's community engagement across all ages, encouraging everyone to take a minute and potentially save a life.
Beat N the Blues is the network's sole fundraising event. Leading Senior Constable Hudson said the network was making a call to arms for people to attend or help by donating to the auction.
The event is at Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club, Morshead Park, on August 24. More details, visit the network's Facebook page.
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