Pioneer breaks down barriers
A TASMANIAN suicideprevention pioneer says two simple things are needed to support those thinking of self-harm: asking the right questions ... and listening to the answers.
Launceston-based Wendy French was recently named the 2017 recipient of the National LIFE Award for Excellence in Suicide Prevention, Community Development.
“There is still stigma around mental illness,” Ms French said. “This stigma stops people speaking out and also stops those wanting to help approaching those in need of that help.
“It is OK to ask questions — it won’t make the situation worse or make you own the problem. But it can allow you to steer people towards the help they need.”
Ms French was pivotal in setting up support services in a small North-West town after it was rocked by a suicide. Her support model then went state and Australia-wide.
Ms French said Tasmania punched above its weight in suicide prevention and it just needed one person in a community to be the driver of change.
“That can-do spirit is still alive and kicking in our communities, all over Australia,” she said. “It only takes one person to get the ball rolling, to be the driver.”
Ms French set up a bereavement service in North and North-West Tasmania, which she managed for five years.
She then spent another two years leading critical responses to various communities around Australia which were experiencing a high number of suicides or a particular incident which led to others taking their own lives.
She developed Talking about Suicide, a training program to help individuals, organisations and communities understand how to talk to someone who might be struggling or how to support those affected by loss to suicide.
“If people understand how to ask questions if they have concerns, to listen to the answers they get, and to help the person get help, lives can be saved,” she said.
Ms French also works-part time with OzHelp Tasmania Foundation, which provides mental health and wellbeing training to workplaces in Tasmania and Australia.
Mental Health Commissioner Jackie Crowe said Ms French’s commitment to going the extra mile had meant that individuals, families and communities suffering suicide loss received the best possible care at the time of their greatest need.
Ms French was also awarded the 2016 Tasmanian Life Awards Outstanding Contribution Award.
If you are in crisis or need support, please contact: Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au; or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 or www.suicide callbackservice.org.au
It is OK to ask questions — it won’t make the situation worse or make you own the problem ... But it can allow you to steer people towards the help they need WENDY FRENCH