Today Lifeline has launched this year’s ‘Out of the Shadows’ campaign – including a new a platform to shine a light on the issues that many find difficult to talk about.
The Out of The Shadows campaign will be supported by local advocates, ambassadors and the public, who will be invited and encouraged to participate in a walk, share experiences and seek help.
Lifeline Adelaide Service Manager Abram Cunneen said, “This is all about reducing self-stigma amongst those who experience mental ill-health and those who support them as well as reducing public stigma by changing attitudes and behaviours in the general community.”
The leading suicide prevention charity is encouraging people all over the country to get involved on Saturday 10 September by posting a selfie across their social channels with their flash on, tagging #ShineALight and linking to outoftheshadows.org.au.
Lifeline has never been needed more, with over 3,000 calls received each day. Since the COVID-19 health pandemic hit Australia in early 2020, Lifeline has experienced a 44% growth in service demand.
Lifeline Australia CEO Colin Seery said, “In Australia, nine people take their own lives each day. Our hope is that by shining a light this World Suicide Prevention Day, we can help start more conversations by tackling preconceptions, myths and clichés head on.”
Abram Cunneen called on the South Australian community to join the Lifeline Adelaide team and walk 9km on September 10 to honour those lost to suicide, bringing their memory into the light and removing the stigma surrounding suicide.
“We’re encouraging South Australians to set aside some time tomorrow to walk the 9km – on their own, with friends and family or their colleagues – and help us remember those lost to suicide and raise funds to provide crisis support and suicide prevention services to save lives“, said Abram Cunneen.
You can join Team Lifeline Adelaide or contribute to their fundraising efforts here.
If you, or someone you know, are feeling overwhelmed, we encourage you to connect with Lifeline in the way you feel most comfortable.
You can phone Lifeline to speak to a Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24/7), text 0477 131 114 (24/7) or chat to Lifeline online at www.lifeline.org.au (24/7).
