The community came together on Saturday morning, September 12 to join the Benalla Suicide Prevention and Awareness Network on its annual March Across the Monash.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
The Benalla community came together on Saturday, September 12 to remember local people who have died by suicide and support those left behind.
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The Benalla Suicide Prevention and Awareness Network hosted its annual march across the Monash, which it does each year on the Saturday closest to Suicide Awareness day.
BSPAN member Gayle Golonski said the event gave attendees an opportunity to walk together, raise awareness and show support for those who have been affected by suicide.
“Knowing the pain of what it’s like to lose two grandchildren, to me days like today are very important,” she said.
Before setting off on the walk BPSAN’s Mel Pentreath addressed those in attendance.
“Here in our local community, as we have been identified as experiencing some of the highest rates of suicide in the state of Victoria,” she said.
“That is why today matters. This is why we continue to have conversations.
“This is why connection is extremely important.”
Ms Pentreath said suicide could affect people from every culture, every background, and every walk of life.
“Today we come together not only to raise awareness, but to remind one another that no-one has to face their struggles alone,” she said.
“We come together as one community to listen, to learn, to support, and most importantly, to remind each other that every life matters and every person deserves to feel heard, valued and supported.
BSPAN member Mel Pentreath speaks to attendees about the importance of the event before walkers set off.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
“This walk is more than simply getting outside and moving together.
“We hope it provides an opportunity to slow down, connect with others, have a conversation, check in with someone, or simply walk alongside someone who may need a little company.
“It’s about creating space where people feel safe to speak, reach out, listen and support one another.
“Losing someone to suicide creates a kind of silence that words can never fill.
“It leaves a space in our hearts where questions sit, questions with no clear answers.
“It leaves memories that are both precious and painful.
“And it leaves a wake that many people around us may never truly understand.
“The truth is, grief after suicide is different,” Ms Pentreath said.
Community members marched to show support for the Benalla Suicide Prevention and Awareness Network, on Saturday, September 12.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
“It comes in shock, confusion, guilt, anger, love, and longing, sometimes all in the same breath.
“It can affect our minds, our sleep, our bodies.
“It can show us distress, depression, anxiety, grief or lingering trauma.
“And yet, we carry it quietly because the world often doesn’t know how to hold this kind of pain.
“But today we pause to acknowledge you, the survivors, those who are learning to breathe again, those who love deeply and lost deeply,” she said.
• For 24/7 support, phone Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. If life is in danger, phone 000.
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