Crisis service launched

POSTED: September 09, 2009

Crisis service launched

Providing ongoing support to relatives, friends and communities affected by suicide is the aim of a new community response service launched in the Pilbara last month.

Working closely with the Standby Response Service regional coordinator Dr Shek Graham is Nathane Graham, a work readiness advisor for Communities and chairperson of the Pilbara Standby Board.

Nathane has personal experience of suicide loss and understands the distress and confusion it can cause. His involvement with Standby will provide an important link for the business with the new suicide support service.

He said: “In Australia, more people die through suicide than on the road, and men aged from 25 to 45 are among the most vulnerable.

“The loss of a life through suicide can be extremely painful and affects a person in different ways, sometimes leaving them feeling isolated in their grief or vulnerable themselves.

“In some cases, people who are bereaved through suicide may not know where to turn for help or how to search for support. Pilbara Standby offers a single point of contact for individuals and communities living in the region.”

Nathane said little data is available for suicide statistics in the Pilbara, although Indigenous suicide is estimated to be at least 40 per cent higher than the national average.

Standby is commonwealth-funded and is staffed by trained professionals in the areas of health and welfare.

People who are feeling suicidal or wish to help someone at risk, should contact Pilbara Standby coordinator Dr Shek Graham on 0438 611 999 or email ws21@pdgp.com.au

For more information about suicide prevention and bereavement support, Suicide Prevention Australia is holding a community forum to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday, 10 September from 4pm at the State Library of Western Australia in Perth.

Pilbara Health

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Crisis service launched

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