Groups link up to make mark against suicide

A special morning tea was held on Monday in Karratha to acknowledge World Suicide Prevention Day.

The day was an occasion for representatives of various groups to come together and pay their respects to people who have lost loved ones to suicide.

It was also a networking opportunity for suicide support staff, allowing them to see what services are available for them to work alongside.

Pilbara Standby Response co-ordinator Peter Cohen said there was no way for anyone to understand the pain suicide could cause to family and friends of victims.

Statistics show about one million people die from suicide each year around the world.

OzHelp project officer Jasmin Stronach said people in the Pilbara needed to work together to make sure all available services were known.

“Most of us here are in the same boat, away from family and friends, so we need to look out for each other,” she said.

Mr Cohen concluded the official proceedings by lighting a candle and encouraging the attendees to take part in a “circle of hope”.