Walk’n’talk for life at Dubbo Barbecue
home
What do you like to get up to most?
motorbike
I like Batman
Pop up Pirate, that’s a game at
What makes you happy? If you could be a superhero, who would you be? Batman What is the naughtiest thing you’ve done?
When I have showers
Me and Dad go silly, we trick Mum
Riding my
What would you do if you were the boss at home? But Dad’s the boss? Only when you are
eight, six or nine, that’s when you’re the boss Watermelon
What is your favourite food? What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a motorbike
CONTRIBUTED BY REGAND PARK EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTRE
MANY young men have taken their own lives in this area in the past few months – that’s what Dubbo Photo News has been told from a number of health professionals and emergency services personnel.
The figures which have been estimated are frightening, but for all sorts of reasons it’s difficult to officially verify those numbers.
Mental health among young men is one of the emergencies of our time according to Trent Edward Chippendale, so much so that he’s determined to raise the profile of the issue by opening up about his personal mental demons.
“In May last year I went through something that nearly ended my life,” Mr Chippendale said. “I was found by police in a Sydney park not breathing – from there they took me to RPA Hospital, and I spent two weeks in the mental health ward.
“I got to a place where I didn’t talk to anyone and my issue that was surrounding me at that time took me to a dark place a place I do not want to visit again.”
After getting help and talking things through with great support from his partner, the couple decided to move to
Dubbo and are loving life.
“Today I love waking up going to work and having support of friends and family in Dubbo. Today I’m stronger than ever and here to help anyone who is struggling,” he said.
Mr Chippendale is one of the organisers for Walk ‘n’ Talk for Life Dubbo and will be behind the barbecue cooking up sausages donated by Wilga Meats.
The barbecue will be held this coming Sunday, July 12, it’s free and everyone is welcome, including dogs.
And for everyone who turns up to the Macquarie Lions Park, behind the Visitor Information Centre, there’ll be a free yellow T-shirt and all the men who attend will go into a draw to win a free haircut and gift pack by “Too Tapered”.
“Come say hi and have a yarn with me about your worries in life,” Mr Chippendale said.
“I am here for anyone who wants to yarn whether it be at the walk on the 12th or even over a coffee, I am very open-minded and judgement free.
“So, come at me with your worries and together we can fight the blues away.”
The event is supported by Winya Walu-win, a Suicide Prevention Network based in Dubbo comprised of community volunteers and members from local organisations.
Its role is to reduce the impact and incidence of suicide in Dubbo and regions so through local events and initiatives, the network aims to connect and strengthen the community of Dubbo whilst raising awareness and promoting suicide prevention.
For more information or to join you can email: winyawalu-winspn@outlook.com
Winya Walu-win is not a crisis service, but if you or someone you know is struggling with your mental health or suicidal you can contact:
z NSW Health Mental Health Line1800 011 511
z Lifeline – 1800 800 768 www. lifeline.org.au
z Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 https://kidshelpline.com.au/
z Beyondblue – 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au
z Mensline – 1300 789 978 www. mensline.org.au
z Suicide Call Back Service – Free Telephone Counselling Service – 1300 659 467