Suicide prevention walk to be held at Umina Beach

A suicide prevention walk will be held on Umina Beach from 9am on September 10 as part of Lifeline's Out of the Shadows national campaign.

It has been organised by Coast Community Connections to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44 and men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, according to a general manager for the organisation, Ms Emma Gilby.

"Suicide prevention work is grossly underfunded, yet more people die from suicide than road or traffic related accidents," she said.

"Initiatives like this annual Out of the Shadows walk encourage people to talk about suicide, learn about suicide prevention and connect with each other to save lives.

"Everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide.

"We need to take care of our own health and have the courage to check in on our family members and friends who may be struggling with life's challenges.

"We hope our walk, held on World Suicide Prevention Day, reinforces hope, recovery, reflection and prevention," Ms Gilby said.

The walk will start from Umina Beach Surf Club and will include a brief reflection on the water's edge along the beach.

Interested locals can turn up on the day or pre-register for the walk.

SOURCE:

Media release, 31 Aug 2017

Katey Small, Brilliant Logic