ISOLATED once more, Ballarat and District Suicide Prevention Network members hope people can still feel the place they are looking for and a sense of connection in an online Out of Shadows event.
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More than 130 names of Ballarat loved ones lost to suicide have already been collected to be read out on September 11, following World Suicide Prevention Day.
Network chairman Des Hudson, a Ballarat police officer and City of Ballarat councillor, said ideally the event would have returned live in a community walk as one through the botanical gardens.
But Leading Senior Constable Hudson said there was still an important community need amid the pandemic for the event in offering hope, reflection, awareness and support for people affected by suicide.
"Suicide is still an issue in our community," Leading Senior Constable Hudson said. "There are certainly some new names...for individuals and families some names are historic and some are recent but it's about openly acknowledging and talking about suicide."
Symbolically, Out of the Shadows will stick to a live start at 5.30am to finish as dawn was breaking.
Leading Senior Constable Hudson said the event's move online during the pandemic last year had been widely shared. He said for people watching there was the security of being in their own environment.
What the event in person offers is a chance to be among others of shared experience and emotion and to "walk in the same shoes".
The online format will be similar but songs and poetry will be a bit different to best honour loved ones in a respectful and meaningful way.
IN OTHER NEWS
More than 3000 deaths by suicide occur in Australia each year. Ballarat has one of the highest suicide rates in Australian cities.
Contact details for crisis and mental health support services will be available during the event. Leading Senior Constable Hudson said the event would also remind people to practise self care and to reach out to family. If you are in need of crisis support, Lifeline 13 11 14.
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