By Matthew Sims
A group of local Chisholm Berwick TAFE students are lacing up their shoes to raise money for suicide awareness as part of the Out of the Shadows World Suicide Prevention Day Walk event for Lifeline.
Held on September 10, the Out of the Shadows Walk will involve people across the nation walking for nine kilometres.
Every year, more than 65,000 Australians attempt to take their own life and more than 3000 Australians die by suicide.
People can walk to remember a loved one, as a personal tribute for a friend or family member, or to show support for Australians experiencing emotional distress or mental illness.
Cranbourne West resident and Chisholm Berwick student Nicole Meunier said she and her friends are taking part in the walk as part of the ‘Hill Crew 2023’ team.
“When I heard about the Out of the Shadows World Suicide Prevention Day Walk for Lifeline, I knew immediately it was something I wanted to be a part of,” she said.
“I thought I would reach out to my Chisholm classmates to see if they would join my team.
“Many of them instantly said yes.”
With a goal of raising $250, the team total is currently at $781.
Ms Meunier said all of her teammates are passionate about suicide prevention, especially as students currently studying a Diploma of Community Services.
“Many of my classmates, including myself, have personally been impacted by pain of suicide, some have lost loved ones and others have been in crisis themselves,” she said.
“During our studies, we are learning that as future community service workers, we will have to ask an uncomfortable question to our clients: are you are at risk of suicide?
“We are learning how to deal with people experiencing a crisis and how to ensure they get the help and support they need.”
Ms Meunier said the team wants to increase awareness of the prevalence of suicide.
“Nine Australians lose their life to suicide every day and that is just too many,” she said.
“By creating a class team, I am not only wanting to raise money for a good cause, I want to bring awareness to the uncomfortable topic of suicide.
“I want to pay our respects to those who have lost their life to suicide but also create conversations for all the people battling every day to stay alive.
“Walking nine kilometres is something we have never done before, but we are determined to walk together for a good cause.”
To contribute to the ‘Hill Crew 2023’ team, visit www.outoftheshadowswalk.org.au/fundraisers/hillcrew2023
