Hope in the Hunter
World Suicide Prevention Day launched in 2003 and since then has become an annual event to help raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding suicide. Communities around the world come together on the day to share information and make a combined effort to help those in need.
A suicide prevention seminar will be hosted at the University of Newcastle on September 10 from 6pm to 8pm in the McMullen Theatre and is open to all members of the community. Guest speakers from local Mental Health organisations will be talking on the evening, including Professor Gregory Cater from the Calvary Mater and Associate Professor Chris Willcox from James Fletcher Hospital.
Titled Suicide Prevention: Strengthening Protective Factors and Instilling Hope in the Hunter Region, the seminar will offer insight on a number of different issues, including effective intervention measures to help reduce repeat attempts. A question and answer session will also run after the brief talks, giving audience members a chance to raise any issues with the panel.
The seminar is being organised by Dr Keith Harris, a Psychology lecturer from the University of Newcastle who has extensive experience in the area of Suicidology.
“Suicide rates remain at unacceptably high levels but people in the Hunter can fight back. The Hunter community is invited to team with local experts and organisations to make real progress on this devastating problem” said Keith.
Nearly all suicides can be prevented so come along on September 10 to be part of something that can make a real difference to precious lives in the Hunter and around the world.
For more information on World Suicide Prevention Day, visit www.wspd.org.au