January 2019 | Hayley Manning

Standby Support After Suicide team stand firm in the knowledge that effective communication is the biggest preventative factor for suicide.

Standby recently held two powerful events in Deloraine, as a part of their sustained campaign for community education and bereavement support in the Meander Valley.

Response Team member, Angela Enright, facilitated an inaugural Meander Valley Memorial Walk along the Kooparoona Niara Cultural Trail; while Deloraine House hosted a Pathways to Care workshop to develop a community response plan and increase understanding of bereavement.

Northern Team Leader, Rod Lambert, says there is so much complexity surrounding suicide and each individual response is different.

“It is important for the bereaved to know that while we cannot change what’s happened, we can be there to help their pain in an informed, non-judgemental, and compassionate way,” Rod said.

“We help anyone, no matter what their relationship has been. We are here to support you even 20 to 30 years later, for as long as needed.”

Standby was originally started in Queensland 17 years ago and now offers a 24/7 service across all communities Australia-wide.

First responders, family, friends, or anyone impacted by a suicide can refer or be referred themselves to Standby for immediate support at home, a community club, workplace, or by telephone if preferred.

For further information visit: www.standbysupport.com.au or email: standbytasmania@ lifelinetasmania.org.au