Life Networks Western Sydney
About usAbout us
We are an independent community based committee working toward change in the Penrith and Western Sydney regions. Members can be individuals from the community or workers from local organisations and agencies.
Our activities
The Penrith Network raises public awareness of suicide prevention services. We provide a voice for those affected by suicide and assist and maintain the Penrith Suicide Bereavement Support Group. In early 2009 the Network initiated a Suicide Bereavement Support Group now operating in Penrith. A variety of other suicide prevention activities are undertaken each year.
Activity highlight
Penrith Suicide Bereavement Support Group
The Penrith Suicide Bereavement Support Group was set up to address the lack of support for families bereaved by suicide.
Steps involved:
- Network members resolved to undertake development of the Bereavement Support Group and to establish it under the auspice of the Network.
- Sought suitably qualified personnel to facilitate the Support Group
- Established best practice guidelines in consultation with families
- Identified objectives as part of Network’s management plan
- Located affordable venue
- Developed promotional materials, logo and flyers
- Set start date
- Forwarded press releases, placed news ads, distributed information to the community.
- Held first meeting.
Community impact:
The Penrith Bereavement Support Group has had strong support from the beginning. Original Network members, including families who had lost loved ones to suicide, formed the first members and the group has continually grown. The support group was effective because it strongly identified its core priority. A second group has begun meeting monthly to support the needs of local families.
Get involved
We welcome your enquiry about joining the Network or the Bereavement Support Group. Involvement can take the form of Network membership; entering into a partnership or collaborative projects; providing resources such as a venues or guest speakers; and/or sponsoring events and activities.
Contact us
The Western Sydney Suicide Prevention & Support Network meets on the third Wednesday each month at 6:30 pm at the Penrith Bowling Club, corner Woodriffe & Derby Streets, Penrith.
Western Sydney Suicide Prevention & Support Network
Phone: (02) 8922 9035
E-mail: lifeforcenetworks@wesleymission.org.au
Location
The Western Sydney Network covers the region from Auburn in the east to Lithgow in the west.
Supporters and partners
Thank you for the support offered through Patron Jim Aitken; Penrith City Council; Penrith Bowling Club; Wesley Mission’s Gambling & Counselling Services; SWAHS; Simplicity Funerals; Guardian Funerals; Chaplaincy Australia & Blue Mountains City Church; University of Western Sydney; Jobquest; NSW Police; Wesley Mission LifeForce; and Centrelink.
Where to get help
The Western Sydney 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)
Useful resources and 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
Helpful resources
- Sunflower Banner [WORD 38KB]
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