Eclipse is run by Lifeline Mid Coast.

Chief executive officer Catherine Vaara says it is heart warming and rewarding to see the members of the first Eclipse support group find the solutions they needed to move forward.  

"It is a new and effective response in helping people at risk of suicide in the greater Port Macquarie region," Ms Vaara said.

“By drawing on the lived experiences of others, members resonated and supported each other through the eight week support cycle and the results were outstanding. 

"Members found hope and connection in a non-judgemental space and had conversations about reasons for living and strategies to keep safe."

Ms Vaara said a suicide attempt is rarely an event that can be easily shrugged off and may even be more difficult to overcome than the situations or life events that led up to the attempt. 

The important thing to remember is you are not alone. Do not panic, she said.

"It will be OK, and there are actions you can take immediately to begin the process of hope," she added.

Eclipse is a specially designed group to help connect people that are going through similar challenges.

Research shows that attempt survivors have an increased risk for suicidal behaviours. 

If you are an attempt survivor reading this, it is very important for you to access helping supports and resources, such as close family and friends, and services such as Lifeline Mid Coast’s Eclipse.

The group has been established with guidance from leading experts in the United States, and has received best practice standard accreditation in California.

Lifeline Mid Coast launched the group in Port Macquarie last year.

One member of Eclipse says the experience made her feel 'normal'.

“For me, I have walked this path for so long alone, thinking I was selfish for attempting to end my life, to end the pain that was constantly in my head," the participant said.

"Living a life like a chameleon, knowing there is still stigma in our society, hiding my real self for fear of discrimination. 

"Meeting other participants in the group environment of Eclipse showed me that there are people who understand, really understand and who helped me feel normal for the very first time in my life.

"Knowing that the meetings were confidential and I was in a safe environment, I was able to be myself and this was quite confronting!  Who was I really?  

"Soon I realised that there was no one there to judge me and the feeling of fitting in was very uplifting.  

"I felt safe and cared for. Finally someone who listened, really listened.”

Facilitator Lee-Ann Ford says the the Eclipse support group is built on the fact that suicidal people can recover.

"Furthermore, suicide attempt survivors can understand the depths of suicidal feeling and provide hope to others in ways no one else can,” she said.

Lifeline Mid Coast are now taking applicants for the fifth cycle of Eclipse which goes for 8 weeks, commencing August 14. 

People interested in joining the group should phone Kelly or Lee-Ann on 6581 2800 or email lifematters@lifelinemidcoast.org.au

For crisis or suicide prevention support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp