A series of life-altering events including divorce, the passing of his father and becoming a single parent to his two daughters, took him down a dark path but now that he is through the other side, Mr Sheather has become a passionate advocate for suicide prevention.

He is now calling on members of the community to join Lifeline's Walk With Us event set to be staged in Merewether on Tuesday, September 10, which is World Suicide Prevention Day.

"I have been to a dark place within myself. It was a very difficult time," Mr Sheather said.

"I've been able to walk through that and come out the other side.

"We all need to be able to care and be there for one another, which is why I'm joining Lifeline this year to encourage as many people as possible to join the walk."

Between 750 and 1000 people are expected to take part in the fifth-annual walk, which starts and ends at Dixon Park Surf Club.

This will be the first year Mr Sheather joins the event's walking ranks, which steadily swells each year.

In 2018, more than 700 people took part. Registrations for this year's walk have already eclipsed that number.

The walk is held in honour of those who have died by suicide, bringing their memory into the light, and to help remove the stigma surrounding suicide said Robert Sams, Lifeline Hunter Central Coast's local executive director.

"This event is an opportunity for Lifeline to walk together with the community and shine light on the importance of human connection for people when supporting each other," Mr Sams said.

"We know that a community-led approach to suicide prevention are usually the most successful and whilst Lifeline plays a part in that community, this is about connecting with each other.

"Many people who come have an experience with suicide. What they have done is been able to connect with others who have those same experiences. It doesn't necessarily take away the pain but it makes it easier to deal with - together.

"I hope this event reaches those who are currently struggling and highlights that we as a community do care and want to help," Mr Sams added.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 3128 Australians died from intentional self harm in 2017. Of those, 75 per cent were men. Each year around 80,000 Australians attempt suicide.

"It's important for people thinking about ending their own life to understand that they are not alone and help is available," Mr Sams said.

Lifeline is encouraging all members of the community to join the walk on September 10.

The walk will depart from Dixon Park Surf Club at 6am following a short ceremonial performance by The Glen.

Participants will use the footpath to walk along beach from the surf club to Merewether Surfhouse and back.

After the walk there will be a formal ceremony held in front of the surf club. Amongst the walkers will be a number of key community members and organisations. Mr Sams said the Newcastle Jets will be walking as a team to show their support.

The walk is free, however Lifeline are encouraging participants to resister their attendance at lifelinehunter.org.au.

Any money raised through donations on the day will go toward Lifeline's local suicide prevention services including its free face-to-face counselling services.

They are run by qualified counsellors and/or psychologists at sites in Islington, Rutherford, Raymond Terrace, Belmont, Wyoming and Singleton. Lifeline also offers a chat and text service.

Most calls taken by Lifeline related to people feeling isolated, relationship problems, or stressful life events.

If you need help phone Lifeline 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467, Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 or MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.