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Bega Valley sunrise walks aim to raise awarenss of suicide prevention

February 2, 2023 8:41 am in by

Lifeline South Coast is bringing its Community Connections Roadshow to the Sapphire Coast to help raise awareness about suicide prevention.

As well as community sunrise walks in Bega from 6am tomorrow morning (Friday February 3), Bermagui on February 15 and Eden on March 3 over the next two months, Lifeline will also put on a free Community Connections in Bega on March 16.

The Bega event will feature a Wellbeing and Resilience Workshop and close with a panel discussion featuring local service providers and mental health workers.

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The events taking place throughout the roadshow during February and March aim to commemorate those lost to suicide and to support our communities to be suicide-safe through connection, compassion and hope.

Following years of devastation from bushfires, floods and Covid-19, there has never been a more vital time to bring the Sapphire Coast communities together to show there is support available according to Lifeline.

During the roadshow, Lifeline South Coast will travel to Bermagui, Bega and Eden to walk with locals at sunrise, and share moments of connection.

Locals are encouraged to join to connect with each other’s experiences, raise awareness, generate hope, and commit to preventing further deaths by suicide.

By walking into the (sun) light, Lifeline said walkers will symbolically reduce the shame experienced by so many people struggling with ‘suicidality’ as well as those bereaved by the suicide death of a loved one.

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The details of the walks are:

-BEGA Friday 3 February from 6am at kisses Lagoon Park on Carp Street over 2km.

-BERMAGUI Wednesday, 15 February from 6:15am at the Surf Club on Lamont Street over 2km.

-EDEN Friday, 3 March from 6:30am at Apex Park over 2km.

A free coffee and snack will be provided at a local cafe following each walk.

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On Thursday 16 March Lifeline would like to Sapphire Coast community to unite as one in Bega for a full day Community Connections event, with participants able to take part in a Wellbeing and Resilience Workshop or Psychological First Aid Training.

There will be a shared lunch break to foster discussion and connection between the two groups.

The event will close with an hour-long panel discussion featuring local service providers and mental health workers.

The Community Connections Day is free to attend, with lunch provided, as well as childcare for those in need. Childcare places are limited – if you would like to utilise this service, please reach out to training@llsc.org.au.

To register for a walk or an event or find out more click HERE.

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If you or someone you know nees support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Image: Lifeline South Coast

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