Wesley LifeForce will host a meeting for Yass Valley community members tonight (Wednesday, October 28th) at Yass Memorial Hall with the aim of establishing a suicide prevention network.
Wesley LifeForce works with communities around Australia to bring together local individuals and organisations that go on to develop local suicide prevention strategies. Currently, there are more than 100 community-based suicide prevention networks across the nation.
The CEO of Wesley Mission, the Rev Keith V Garner AM, encourages residents to get involved.
“The aim is to empower people to tackle this difficult issue in a manner best suited to the needs of people living in Yass Valley,” he said.
The community meeting will be the first of its kind in the area and is the result of discussions from earlier this year between Wesley LifeForce and representatives from Yass Valley Council, police and local support services.
“Simple effective interventions can make a difference and save lives–and Wesley LifeForce can help communities to develop local activities that address the issue of suicide,” said Mr Garner.
People across the region are reporting feeling the negative effects of the pandemic, from unemployment and financial hardship to poor mental health and increased risk of family violence.

“Establishing a suicide prevention network with the support of Wesley LifeForce is a proactive step for the Yass Valley community that can help to address risk factors for suicide.
“How we support each other at this critical time is important, and everyone has a role to play,” said Mr Garner.
Event organisers hope the meeting will attract members of the community who have lived experience of suicide, to discuss what the issues are, what their vision for Yass would be, and seek their permission and participation to help them to establish a suicide prevention network.
The meeting will be held at 7 pm tonight (Wednesday 28 October 2020) at the Yass Memorial Hall, Comur Street, Yass.
For more information and to RSVP, please contact Jocelyn Box on 0429 036 579 or email jocelyn.box@wesleymission.org.au