South East Suicide Prevention Network

In partnership with Wesley Mission’s LifeForce, Headspace and the local communities, the South East Suicide Prevention Network is now up and running. Co-chaired by two community members Vivienne Blennerhasset and Kirstie Edwards; with representatives from Connect Health & Community and Headspace, the network aims to provide local support to suicide prevention activities.

The Network includes community members of all ages from the Bayside and Glen Eira areas, with some who travel due to lack of prevention activities in surrounding areas.  More than half of its members are under the age of 25 years. The network remains open for membership and particularly encourages males and young people to join.

Connect Health & Community CEO, Amanda Murphy, said the network enables community members affected by suicide to have input to necessary prevention mechanisms.

“The Suicide Prevention Network remembers those who have died by suicide, recognises the impacts on loved ones, and raises awareness and capacity to talk about suicide more openly in our local communities,” she said. 

“This group is run by the community, for the community, seeking to increase awareness and help change behaviours while educating our broader community about the far-reaching issues associated with death by suicide,” she said.

To mark Suicide Prevention Day, the Network will be hosting Community Awareness Walk on Sunday 8 September.

The walk from Birrarung Marr in the City will remember loved ones lost to suicide. For more information or to register your interest visit the Network's Facebook Page.

For more information on the network and how to get involved, click here.