LIFELINE is encouraging people who have made a suicide attempt and their families to gain support to recover through its Eclipse support groups starting this month.

Lifeline Hunter Central Coast CEO Rob Sams said Eclipse is a confidential, eight-week online support program that gives suicide attempt survivors a safe and non-judgemental place to talk to one another and learn skills to help them to cope with thoughts of suicide.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

He said participants meet for two hours once a week.

The groups are run by Lifeline facilitators, trained in suicide prevention.

Mr Sams said as Eclipse is online, support is accessible to people across the Hunter and Central Coast without the need to travel to a regional centre.

He said participants all start at the same time and complete the eight weeks together, making it more comfortable to share personal information.

Eclipse is a component of the AfterCare pilot program funded by the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network.

“A suicide attempt is one of the most significant risk factors for further suicide attempts,” Mr Sams said.

“Improving the care for people after a suicide attempt, whether it be recent or an attempt in the past, helps to reducing suicide attempts and suicide deaths,” he said.

“Reducing suicide attempts also reduces the impacts on loved ones, friends, first responders and the health service.”

People do not need a referral to join an Eclipse support group.

The next Eclipse groups start on February 28 and March 3.

To find out more or register call 1300 152 854.

If this story causes issues for you, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.