Walking to Remember
Hundreds of people have been WALKING to remember those loved and lost to suicide and as a beacon of hope to those who live with mental illness and suicidal thinking in Woodend every year in September since 2014. Covid-19 temporarily interrupted this vigil but we re-commenced our walk in 2022 and our next walk will be held in 2024.
This is a pet-friendly event, with music, speeches, and a walk of the Woodend township and beautiful 5 Mile Creek (approx.4 kms), before returning to the park where coffee and food.
Thank you to everyone that attended our 2023 event.
World Suicide Prevention Day September 2023 - Creating Hope Through Action
World Suicide Prevention Day September 2022 - Creating Hope Through Action
Training to support people who are thinking of suicide
SafeTALK is a half-day alertness workshop that prepares any adult, regardless of prior experience or training, to become a suicide-alert helper. This training is targeted at members of the Macedon Ranges community who wish to learn how to support those who may be thinking of suicide. Other training can also be made available locally eg Mental Health First Aid and online START. For more information click here
Peer Support after suicide
Each month people gather at the Newham mechanics hall (1292 Rochford Road) to find a space that is specific to the complex grief of suicide. People are free to come and go as they need. The night is conducted by trained peer support members of our community who have also been bereaved by suicide. For more information click here
What's been on
Cut the Silence
Cut The Silence was a local campaign to get men talking.
As part of this campaign we filmed a series of short conversations in a local barbershop with some some high profile Macedon Ranges men about looking after themselves or a mate who is struggling.
Five of our local barbers participated in Conversations for Life Training and have information to guide customers to help if they want it.
for further details click here
Light a candle to remember
2021 was another year MRSPAG and the community were unable to come together to walk for those impacted by suicide, on Friday 10th September people were encouraged to light a candle for World Suicide Prevention Day.
#BeKindToYourMind
Due to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic we were unable to gather on World Suicide Prevention Day September 10, 2020.
So instead we invited people to join us across social media - from #WorldSuicidePreventionDay to share ways you can #BeKindToYourMind - showcasing 7 Days of Self Care!
Walk for Sunshine
On Monday 11 December, members of MRSPAG and Council officers welcomed Tony and Liane Drummond to Kyneton. Liane and Tony are walking around Australia to draw attention to suicide and mental health after losing her son to suicide.
Creative Arts Therapy
Marita Jacobsson worked with participants bereaved by suicide to create a group creative arts piece.
Arts therapy is a form of counselling using the arts in varying forms to create and make meaning. It can be especially helpful when words are hard to find and express.
Suicide Prevention Conference
The National Suicide Prevention Conference provides a platform for the exchange of ideas to help achieve our agenda of halving suicides in Australia over the next ten years - MRSPAG has been represented as presenters and participants for the last six years.
Peer Support Information Night
The night provided information for those bereaved by suicide. Guest speakers included; Louise Flynn, Jesuits support after Suicide, along with two of our amazing peer support volunteers, Gerry Leahy and Lynsey Ward. Both spoke about their loss and the unique support offered by others bereaved by suicide. Monthly meeting continue for those bereaved by suicide details can be found here.
Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Walk, 2018
More than 200 people walked in Woodend on Sunday 9 September, World Suicide Prevention Day, to raise awareness of suicide prevention. Hosted by Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group, for the first time the Walk route included the High Street service road.
The Walk was an opportunity to remember those lost to suicide, their families and friends; and to acknowledge those who have attempted suicide and those with suicidal thoughts.
‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide’ was the theme of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day and Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Walk.
It also complements the efforts of R U OK? a suicide prevention charity who encourage people to take the time to notice what’s going on with family, friends and colleagues – and oneself. It is about taking time to have those conversations when you notice something has changed and equipping yourself to help yourself and others.
MRSPAG would like to thank all those who attended and lent support to this event. We are better together.
