The day asks us to shift from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, empathy and supporting action.
To support this, Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group has two specific projects this month - a community walk and a sticker campaign.
MHAG president Lourene Liebenberg said that’s where the three key messages come in.
They are:
• In Deni, we look out for each other - together, we can reduce the risk of suicide.
• In Deni, we can take steps to keep each other safe - small steps, big impact.
• Asking about suicide can open the door to support - a conversation matters.
“Over the past four years, Deni MHAG has developed several resources around the actions we can all take to help reduce the risk of suicide,” Mrs Liebenberg said.
“These have included printed resources, promotional materials and corflute boards displayed along the pathway when our walk takes place, as well as a dedicated page on our website - https://www.denimentalhealth.org.au/steps.
“This year, that work is continuing in a slightly different way.
“When we were unable to put our mental health stickers directly onto the pavement in the central business district, local businesses reached out and offered another way to show their support for mental health and wellbeing.
“Work together with the Deniliquin Business Chamber, this year we will be producing stickers that businesses can display in their shop windows or on their doors, showing that they too support the wellbeing of our community.”
Participating businesses will also receive a small pack of mental health information and resources.
These can be placed on a noticeboard, kept in a staff tearoom, or simply kept behind the counter in case someone they are interacting with appears to need a little extra support or information about where to turn.
The Deniliquin Business Chamber will contact businesses regarding the campaign.
You can also opt into the sticker campaign or request a resource pack by contacting Mrs Liebenberg on 0428 281 060.
Businesses and community members are also being encouraged to show their support at the World Suicide Prevention Day Walk & BBQ on Thursday, September 10.
Participants are asked to assemble from 5pm in the park next to the Visitor Information Centre in George St, Deniliquin.
After a short river walk, a community barbecue will be provided.
“Bring the family, bring a friend,” Mrs Liebenberg said.
“Come together with our community and help us keep the conversation going.
“This event is made possible with funding from Transgrid, in partnership with the Deniliquin Business Chamber, and with support from the Rotary Club of Deniliquin, the Deniliquin Pastoral Times and 2QN and Edge FM.
“Everyone is welcome, and the event is completely free.”
Deni MHAG is a local, volunteer-run registered charity.
All funds raised by the group goes directly back into supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the local community.
Donations are tax deductible, and can be made by going to https://www.justgiving.com/charity/DMHAG.
• Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. You can also contact the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
• Resources and pathways to help are available at www.denimentalhealth.org.au.
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