Suicide Prevention Week, 6-13 September is an opportunity to come together, educate and support each other.

Around one person loses their life to suicide every day in Western Australia. The impact of this statistic is felt deeply and spans the entire community. With such a difficult year from the devastating bushfires at the start of the year to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many people feeling vulnerable and struggling. 
At Lifeline WA, we know that things like social inclusion, spending time in nature and physical activity are important for positive mental health. There are a number of activities happening in WA during the week to help us come together, reduce stigma and take action for suicide prevention. Here is a list of events we compiled to make getting involved a little easier.
 

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Events:

5 September - Out of the Shadows Walk

The Out of the Shadows Walk is a free event giving people who have been touched by suicide a chance to remember their loved ones and walk with others, who like them, have been affected. Email Karen at karenmcglynn@lifelinewa.org.au to register today.

7 September - DV-alert Training

Lifeline WA is partnering with the City of Canning to deliver a free 2-day accredited Domestic and Family Violence Workshop. Find more information and register here.

8 September - DV-alert Multi-cultural Training

Multicultural DV-alert is a 2-day course which enables frontline workers to recognise the signs of domestic and family violence, respond to someone experiencing domestic and family violence, and learn what best practice methods should be used to refer multicultural women to the most appropriate support service. Register your interest here.

8 September - Spill the Beans - Games and Social Group
Start your day in the right headspace! The UWA guild has teamed up with Headspace to bring you ‘Spill the Beans’! Spill the Beans is a great space to meet new people and create connections with your peers over games and coffee. Find more information here.
 
10 September - World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) provides the opportunity for people, across the globe, to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention. Find more information here.
 
10 September – R U OK? Day
R U OK? Day falls on World Suicide Prevention Day and is about inspiring and empowering everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with anyone who may be struggling with life. You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener. Find out more here.
 
10 September - Paint Pouring Workshop
This FREE workshop is brought to you by the City of Canning as part of their recognition of R U OK? Day. Paint pouring involves mixing various paint colours in jars and pouring them onto the canvas. Then the magic happens! Register here.

Community Events:

6 September - Kings Park Festival
There are a number of community events happening at Kings Park. There are guided tours, bands to serenade your family picnics and the botanical flowers have blossomed, making the park as vibrant as ever. Spending time in nature is known to relieve stress, so immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Kings Park.

6 September - Botanical to Beach Ultimate Urban Hike
Good physical health is often linked to positive mental health, so why not take on an urban adventure on this exclusive 21km guided hike through the majestic Kings Park and Botanical Gardens? The hike merges onto the Bush to Beach Trail which forms the east/west section of the Whadjuk Trail network. Buy your tickets here.
 
8 September - Secrets of the Botanic Garden Walk
Nature enthusiasts will be inspired by more than 25,000 wildflowers and guided walks and talks, wellness gurus will love our outdoor fitness sessions and art lovers will appreciate the beautiful displays and exhibitions. Register here.

9 September - Fremantle Press Exhibition
Head down to the City of Perth Library until 18 October for an amazing exhibition by children’s and Young Adult authors. The exhibit will showcase the inspiration, draft notes and illustrations, artworks and more behind their books. View more information and dates here.
 
10 September - Alkimos Food Truck Thursdays
Our mental health can often receive a boost just by getting out and about. Why not visit the weekly food trucks alongside the awesome Treasure Island playground at Shorehaven? Come along each Thursday evening and see which delicious food choices they have for you.

10 September - Pinnacles Sunset Stargazing Tour from Perth
Escaping from the city and spending time in nature can have positive benefits for our mental state. The otherworldly landscapes of the Pinnacles Desert are one of Western Australia’s most impressive natural wonders, found just north of Perth in the Nambung National Park. On this 11 hour tour, admire the Pinnacles at their most magical during a sunset visit, enjoy a candle-lit dinner in the desert, and stay after-dark for a thrilling stargazing experience. Along the way, stop to try sandboarding at the famous Lancelin Sand Dunes, chocolates along the coast, and admire the views along the Indian Ocean Drive. Register here.
 
11 September - Music, Mantra, Meditation
Meditation can be an opportunity to slow down our thoughts and bring a sense of calmness into our day. This event is about filling your own cup, having a date with yourself or one another and simply doing something nice, fun and easy. Taking time out together to recharge. Register here.
 
12 September - Rocky Pool Yoga Hike
Yoga can help to slow down the mind by focusing on the breath and body. This event has the added benefit of getting into nature in the beautiful Kalamunda National Park, just 35 minutes East of Perth City. This event includes a 5 kilometre bush hike to the stunning Rocky Pool, a 45-minute slow flow yoga class amongst the beautiful native bush and a scrumptious plant-based morning tea. Register here.
 
12 September - Scarborough Sunset Markets
Your mental health can be given a boost by giving yourself a break and doing something different. We’re all sick of home cooking (right?), so why not let Perth’s best food trucks and dessert connoisseurs treat you to their soul-warming dinners and oh-so-sweet desserts. Looking to stay warm? The custom-made fire pits will be ablaze, with marshmallows ready to roast all night long. Find more information here.

This year has been tough so it’s important to keep connecting. Connecting with yourself, friends and family, and if things get really hard and you are feeling isolated, please connect with us. If you are struggling, support is available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14, available 24/7, to talk to one of our caring and non-judgemental Telephone Crisis Supporters.

Written by Tehani Payton