Thousands of people across the Hastings will join Lifeline's Out of the Shadows walks coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Week.
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Walks are held in honour of those lost to suicide, bringing their memory into the light and removing the stigma surrounding suicide.
Lifeline's Out of the Shadows walks enable those whose lives have been touched by suicide to connect with others and feel comfortable to have a conversation about it.
The Port Macquarie walk will take place on Sunday September 8, meeting at Salty Crew Kiosk at 5.30am and walking to the skate park where a memorial service will honour loved ones.
"The Out of the Shadows walk allows members of our Mid-North Coast community to come together to honour loved ones lost to suicide in a safe and supportive environment. The walk also raises awareness around suicide prevention with the aim of erasing the stigma and shame of talking about suicide, " said Kelly Saidey, suicide prevention and postvention manager.
Lifeline aims to bring suicide out of the shadows, acknowledge those touched by suicide and highlighting the importance of human connection for people in their darkest hours.
In 2017, the last reporting period, there were 3,128 Australian lives lost to suicide. Each year around 80,000 Australians attempt suicide. It's important for people thinking about ending their own life to understand that they are not alone and help is available.
Lifeline encourages all Australians to join a walk and start talking about suicide.
