Talking, sharing, caring key to helping people who are struggling
AT Relationships Australia Tasmania, we believe suicide prevention is everybody’s business. And next month we will recognise people and groups involved in doing this with our LIFE Awards and the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Forum in Launceston.
The forum and awards bring together people with an interest in suicide prevention, including those with lived experience, people in the community who want to help, and service providers and
Michael Kelly
government departments.
Why is suicide prevention a concern for everyone? For the simple reason about half of us experience a mental health problem at some time. It’s a common part of being human. Looking out for those around us and linking those struggling to help should be a priority.
In Tasmania, few have to look too far to know someone affected by suicide. You don’t have to be an expert to help. The simple act of asking “are you OK?” can make a difference. If you notice a colleague or family member behaving differently or their conversation isn’t the usual banter, ask. Because if someone answers, “no, I’m not,” you don’t have to a professional to know the next steps. Ask if they want to talk to a GP, a trusted adult, or to call Lifeline.
The other benefit of asking is by showing interest, caring, can make a world of difference.
Perhaps the only unhelpful responses are “you’ll be OK, stop stressing, you’re overdramatising”.
Being there, talking about people’s state of mind, talking about suicide can make a difference. There is little good talking about statistics. Suicide is personal. Every person who dies has family and friends, who are affected forever. Any life lost is one too many.
The forum is a chance for those with an interest in prevention to hear from experts and to network.
Our partner in Relationships Australia, SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY, will sponsor a new LIFE Award for the Outstanding Contribution by a Young Person.
The young people who work to reduce the rate and impact of suicide in Tasmania have remarkable enthusiasm that is vital to ensure progress in suicide prevention.
Whether they are volunteers or in paid positions, it is through their effort, insight and initiative that our communities become stronger.
The three LIFE Awards are: OUTSTANDING Contribution LIFE Award for people who work to reduce the rate and impact of suicide in Tasmania. In 2017, this was
awarded to Robin Errey, who is working as a Volunteer InShift Supervisor in Lifeline and amassed more than 9200 hours over 44 years. COMMUNITIES in Action for Suicide Prevention LIFE Award. This recognises the critical role communities play in identifying and taking action in suicide prevention. This may involve development of a local plan or a targeted strategy to assist communities at risk of suicide. In 2017, this went to the Kingborough Tigers Football Club, which believes sport clubs are a perfect place to provide a positive support network to tackle mental health issues and have a targeted and systematic approach to raising awareness. BEST Practice in Suicide Prevention in a Workplace LIFE Award. This recognises a workplace with outstanding commitment to prevent suicide among employees.
In 2017, the award went to TasNetworks, which manages Be@TasNetworks, a well being program that looks at health, connection, finances and work. Suicide prevention has been a significant component.
The LIFE Awards will be presented on May 23, with the forum a day later. Both events are funded initiatives of the State Government as part of the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Strategies (20162020). If you know someone or a group which deserves recognition, visit suicidepreventiontas.org.au/ life_awards/life_awards. Or contact Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277. Nominations close May 7.
Dr Michael Kelly is chairman of the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Community Network, Relationships Australia Tasmania.
If you are feeling down and need to talk, call Lifeline on 131 114 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.