Make a connection, save a life

Every Tasmanian can help prevent suicide, write Ben Hirst and Melanie Carroll

IT’S important to recognise that in each relationship we have – at our workplace, with our school mates, in our sporting teams, as parents and as friends – that we can greatly impact on the wellbeing of those around us.

Every Tasmanian has a role to play in the prevention of suicide, but it can be difficult to know where to start or to recognise our successes.

Suicide prevention can become the norm in our workplaces and sporting clubs. It can take place at our schools and be something we feel confident to discuss with our family and friends.

After a two-year hiatus because of Covid-19, the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Community Network is extremely pleased to announce the return of the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Forum.

This forum represents an opportunity to come together, to learn and to prioritise suicide prevention in our community. The theme for the forum in 2022 is: Community, Compassion and Connection.

We have a variety of workshops and speakers who will cover a range of topics, from lived experience, government strategies and practical knowledge, to support for those with suicidality.

The Tasmanian LIFE Awards held in May celebrated the amazing work being done in suicide prevention across the state, while the forum provides the opportunity to learn and focus on the future direction of suicide prevention, especially in the current pandemic climate.

Our keynote speaker will be Matthew Caruana, who, after surviving a suicide attempt at the age of 16 that left him in a wheelchair, has transformed his life.

Through experiencing the power of connection and opening up to people after his suicide attempt, Matt discovered his purpose in life and passion for helping people. Matt now dedicates his life to telling his story and using his experience to advocate for mental health awareness and supporting people to thrive.

Matt’s message aligns strongly with the theme of this year’s Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Forum: Community, Compassion and Connection. Matt highlights the vital role in self-compassion and awareness and acknowledges the strength that comes from receiving and giving support to others.

Participants will also hear from researchers, professionals and service organisations working in suicide prevention. Speakers will include:

MATTHEW CARUANA to deliver a keynote presentation and run a workshop on strengthening meaningful connection.

ANDREW GARRETT, from the Magistrates Court of Tasmania’s Coronial Division, to talk about the Tasmanian suicide register.

DR AARON GROVES, chief psychiatrist at the Department of Health Tasmania, to provide an update on the new suicide prevention plan for Tasmania.

DR KIM NORRIS, Professor of the School of Psychological Sciences, to deliver a presentation on the path back from social isolation.

STUART AUCKLAND, from the Centre for Rural Health Co-Design of Health and Wellbeing Services for LGBTIQ+ Individuals on Tasmania’s East Coast: Advancing Evidence, Principles and Practice.

The forum will be held in the Ricky Ponting Room at Blundstone Arena in Hobart from July 5-6. The forum is open to anyone with an interest in suicide prevention in our community.

To find out more and to register your attendance please head to https:// suicidepreventionforum2022.eventbrite.com.au/

If this article has raised any issues of concern, please call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.