Roslyn Stewart and Nikki Simos from Mitchell Suicide Prevention Network will walk to support people impacted by suicide.

By Steph McNicol

THE Mitchell Suicide Prevention Network is calling on the community to come together in support of anyone who is impacted by suicide in anyway.

The group has organised a walk for Sunday, February 23, which will provide community members with the opportunity to reflect on their own personal experiences, whether it be directly or indirectly.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2018 there were a total of 3046 deaths by suicide, making up 1.9 per cent of all causes of death in that year.

Mitchell Suicide Prevention Network members Nikki Simos and Roslyn Stewart said anyone could attend the walk.

“It is open to all age groups, so families can attend, individuals can attend and all groups of all walks of life can attend,” Ms Simos said.

People attending the walk will meet at Kilmore Racing Club to begin their one-hour journey at 10am.

During the walk, community members attending will have the opportunity to skim a stone across the Kilmore and District Hospital’s reservoir.

“That rock will be a personalised opportunity for individuals to write a message on it and skim it across the water – it is a form of letting go or a message of hope,” Ms Simos said.

People who are unable to or find difficulty in walking can still attend, as parking will be available at the reservoir to skim a stone.

A guest speaker who will also share how suicide has impacted their life, as well as stallholders to raise awareness on the topic.

Black Dog Ride, an organisation based on raising awareness for depression and suicide, will also attend to talk with people and promote their upcoming event.

Other supporting community groups include Love in Action, Rotary club, men’s sheds and Lions clubs.

For more information, contact Wallan Future Hub on 0401 659 556.

If you are, or anyone you know is, in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or use their texting service on 0477 13 11 14.