Life Networks Port Stephens
- Upcoming events
About us
- Our activities
- Latest events
- Get involved
- Contact us
- Location
- Supporters and partners
- Where to get help
- Useful links
- Helpful resources
Upcoming events
Upcoming ASIST Workshop
December 7-8, 2011
Hosted by the Port Stephens Suicide Prevention Network.The event will be held in Raymond Terrace.
Would you like to be better equipped to support people considering suicide?
A two-day interactive workshop for all caregivers.
Support suicide-safer communities… it begins with you.
Most people with thoughts of suicide would rather live. How can we hear their distress and at the same time strengthen their reasons for living?
Over 40 people take their own lives each week. How can we reduce the number of people who die by suicide or sustain injuries through self-harm?
Most people thinking about suicide signal their pain and intentions—they offer us opportunities to respond. This is the prevention opportunity.
Suicide first aid learned in ASIST can help all of us see, hear and respond to these invitations. It prepares us to work with persons at risk to increase their immediate safety and get further help.
To secure your place please contact:
Brian Lamb
PH. 0412 736 240
Email. brian.lamb@optusnet.com.au
About us
Our Network, made up of a community based board, aims to reduce the impact of suicide in Port Stephens. We engage the community by: talking about suicide; eliminating the associated stigma of suicide; and educating members of the community in suicide awareness and suicide intervention skills.
Our activities
The Network meets on a monthly basis and our activities include:
- Conducting SafeTALK, SuicideTALK and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Workshops in public and workplace venues.
- Creating and distributing locally appropriate crisis information cards, (please contact us if you would like some for your workplace or community group.)
- Distributing information and promoting locally appropriate resources and agencies.
- Hosting Walk with Us community events, that promote healthy living, suicide awareness and community support.
- Supporting local SOS Bereavement Support Group.
- Advocating local, state and national level for better mental health and suicide prevention procedures and policy.
Latest events
Walk with Us
A gorgeous crowd braved the freezing cold wind to be a part of this year’s Walk With Us. Held on Saturday the 10 September to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day.
Together they walked in remembrance of loved ones. They walked to honour their own survival. They walked to thank those who care for people in need and they walked to encourage those who still struggle everyday to find a reason to live.
The group of 50 plus walked with surprising gusto and focus along the beautiful foreshore of Port Stephens, raising quite a few eyebrows of passers by.
Upon return Pastor Wayne Forward from the Nelson Bay Baptist Church, spoke from the heart about loss and hope.
The sausage sizzle was once again delicious. The help of the Rotary Club of Salamander Bay, sausages from Hodges Butchery and bread from La Vie Bakery and Baker’s Delight made the whole thing possible. The drinks were kindly donated by Sharon Nelmes and Stuart Benjamin supplied his delicious Swiss Gold coffee and tea, very important on such a cold day. $200 of donations were collected on the day.
The young fellas Kaleb, Riley and Logan did a great job making the start line and an even better job smashing through it.
Many thanks to Bernie, Margo, Anne, Sharon, Stuart, Ken, Georgie and every member of the network for organising the day. Thank you to everyone who attended, thank you to everyone who is a part of making Port Stephens a suicide safe community.
Bernie Fitzsimons President of the Port Stephens Suicide Prevention network, summed it all up when he said, “We just want you to know that you are all just so important to us.”
Get involved
We encourage you to attend our friendly and informative meetings where we discuss, develop and implement suicide prevention initiatives. We welcome new members and often require assistance at event and fundraising.
The network is independently run by community volunteers. We have received funding and support from Wesley LifeForce, the Rotary Club of Salamander Bay, The Masonic Lodge and the generous small businesses and public of Port Stephens. We appreciate your help.
Contact us
President Bernie Fitzsimons 0419 171 291 or PO Box 516 Salamander Bay NSW 2317
The Network meets on the last Thursday of each month in the Nelson Bay area, please Contact Bernie for details.
Location
The Network operates throughout Port Stephens that includes a population of almost 70,000.
Supporters and partners
Rotary Club of Salamander Bay
Where to get help
The Port Stephens Suicide Prevention Network is NOT a crisis service. If you or someone you know might be in danger, seek urgent help. Call Emergency services - 000, or go to your local hospital emergency department.
Other counselling and crisis services include:
- Lifeline (24 hours) – 13 11 14
- Kids Help Line (24 hours) – 1800 55 1800
- Salvation Army Care Line (24 hours) – 1300 363 622
- Men’s Line Australia (24 hours) – 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service (24 hours) – 1300 659 467 Free national telephone support service for people at risk of suicide, their carers and those bereaved by suicide.
- SANE Helpline – 1800 18 SANE (7236)
- Lifeline Hunter Newcastle
can offer personal, relationship and financial counselling and other referral information (02) 4940 2000
- Nelson Bay SOS Bereavement Support Group: Call Lifeline Bereaved by Suicide Coordinator on (02) 4940 2005
Useful links
- LifeForce Suicide Prevention Training – www.wesleylifeforce.org
- Youthbeyondblue – www.youthbeyondblue.com
- SANE Australia – www.sane.org/information/factsheets
- Reach Out! – www.reachout.com.au
- Living is for everyone – www.livingisforeveryone.com.au
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