Newcastle networks greet the Conversation Convoy

Local residents, business representatives, media and suicide prevention networks met in Civic Park this morning to hear how the power of conversation can change a life.

Luke Russell gave a welcome to country and provided insights into traditional greetings in local language. Timothy Crakanthorp MP shared his personal experience of losing a friend to suicide, and reminded others to ask “Are you OK?” whenever you spot the signs someone isn’t quite themselves, “Today and every other day make sure you look after your loved ones and if you have an intuition, ask them” he said.

Guests were encouraged to consider taking an hour out of their busy lives to participate in free suicide prevention training ‘QPR’ in conjunction with the Black Dog Institute. Everymind director, Jaelea Skehan, explained the local initiatives that are underway, “Let’s talk Newcastle is helping our community build a safety net for people. We want to empower our community. We are all in this together, there are plenty of people who are doing it tough. The more connected we are with each other, the more we can help each other” she said.

Special guests R U OK? Ambassadors, Casey Donovan and Tanya Hennessy, shared their personal experiences of anxiety and how checking in with loved ones can make a difference any day of the year. “Life isn't perfect. We all have life's ups and downs and we can all ask #RUOK. To be able to touch someone's life like that, I can't begin to put it into words”, Casey said.

Tanya shared her reasons for becoming involved with R U OK? “I'm involved for several reasons - I heard the stats and wanted to use my voice to do something about it. When you talk about it, it automatically is different. Being heard by my boyfriend, made a difference. It meant I got help.”

The Lions Club of Newcastle cooked a free breakfast for all those in attendance, and cuppas flowed whilst Munro, R U OK?’s guest black dog mascot, delighted all including representatives from The Way Back Support Service, headspace, Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Network and Life Without Barriers who gave advice on local support services.

Special thanks to the staff at Everymind for their unwavering support and guidance.