10th September – World Suicide Prevention Day
For organisations like Iris Foundation that are working to reduce the risk of suicide in our community, September 10 is an important date.
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, with mental health initiatives underway across the globe. Here in Australia, RUOK? Day encourages all of us to check in with the people we care about. Though it may feel awkward at first, speaking openly and honestly about our mental health has never been more important.
Supports available
Suicide Call Back Service
Suicide Call Back Service offers free professional phone and online counselling for anyone who is affected by suicide. This includes:
Anyone who is feeling suicidal
- Anyone who is worried about someone
- Anyone who is caring for someone who is feeling suicidal
- Anyone who has lost someone to suicide
- Health professionals supporting people who are affected by suicide
Telephone counselling: Call and talk with a professional counsellor on 1300 659 467 anywhere, anytime.
Online counselling: Access online counselling and chat with a counsellor anywhere, anytime.
Click here for more information
Lifeline
Having a tough time and need to talk to someone right now? Lifeline provides people experiencing a personal crisis with access to online, phone and face-to-face crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Lifeline telephone call service: available 24/7 on 13 11 14.
Lifeline Text: available from 12pm to midnight on 0477 13 11 14.
Lifeline Chat: available from 7pm to midnight.
Click here for more information.
R U OK? Day
The theme of this year’s R U OK? Day is ‘There’s More to Say After R U OK?’. The team has compiled comprehensive set of resources to support you if someone lets you know they’re struggling with their mental health.
There’s even an interactive tool that guides you through possible scenarios that may arise in conversations around mental health.
Click here for more information.
MindHealth
A free professional counselling service for people 15 years and older living or working in the Hunter, New England and Central Coast regions. MindHealth provides help and support for people who are worried or stressed and are looking to talk it through.
Available between 7am and 9pm, Monday to Saturday on 1300 029 131 or go to the website for online chat.
Click here for more information.
World Suicide Prevention Day also marks the peak of Iris Foundation’s annual Tree of Dreams awareness campaign. Though we couldn’t host a public event this year, Central Coast locals have still taken the opportunity to share messages of hope, strength and remembrance in the tree, situated at Wyong Milk Factory.
To find out more, visit: https://treeofdreams.org.au/ or https://www.facebook.com/IrisTreeOfDreams
Need urgent support?
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467
Mens Line: 1300 789 978
Kids Help Line (ages 5-25): 1800 551 800
1800-Respect (sexual assault and family violence counselling): 1800 737 732
The board and staff of Iris Foundation extends our best wishes to our supporters and their loved ones. Stay safe, healthy and connected.
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