More than 550 people registered for the Lifeline Hunter Central Coast annual suicide prevention walk from Dixon Park to Merewether Baths and back. Walkers started off at 6am to raise awareness, remember those lost to suicide, support those bereaved by suicide and bring the community together in a commitment to tackle suicide. 

“Suicide rates are at a 10 year high and twice as many people die by suicide than they do on our roads,” Lifeline’s regional manager Rob Sams said.  

“Eight Australians take their lives every day and tens of thousands attempt suicide every year.” 

There is hope, Lifeline Hunter Central Coast estimates its telephone crisis support, face to face counselling, suicide prevention training services and other community suicide prevention programs help to save around 5,000 lives annually.

“As a community we need to show people in crisis that we care and there is hope and support for them,” he said.

If this story causes issues for you please call Lifeline – 13 11 14