Each year PSSPN holds the walk at Iluka Reserve to enable members of the Port Stephens community who have lost loved ones to suicide to come together to remember those they have lost and support each other.

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“Our network has been working for sixteen years, helping to build awareness of suicide and its impacts and strengthen community resilience and wellbeing,” PSSPN President David Creenaune said.

“Our primary focus area in supporting our community is the provision of high quality training on suicide and its impacts and building practical skills and the confidence to take action when the need arises.”

PSSPN’s efforts over the years have not gone unnoticed, with the Mental Health Commission of New South Wales handing them a Mental Health Promotion and Wellbeing award, and Port Stephens Council entering into a partnership program with the group championed by State MP Kate Washington.

“We’ve also had massive support from the local community over the years such as Rotary organisations and Anna Bay Fishing Club to name a few,” said the network’s Secretary, Suzanne Creenaune.

“We additionally work closely with other like-minded organisations such as Beyond Blue, Lifeline and Men’s Line.

“All our volunteers are professionally trained via the Wesley Mission, and we provide free education and training to other groups such as a recent session at the Murrook Culture Centre on Nelson Bay Road.

“We have a donation tin at LJ’s Takeaway shop at Anna Bay which helps the organisation hugely, but people can also donate via our website or by contacting us on Facebook.”

PSSPN have been developing a new team to build on the successes of the organisation, meeting once a month to work together on community initiatives.

One such initiative in the making is the use of ‘Labyrinths’, which have been used for many years across different cultures.

“We are now actively fundraising to build a labyrinth at Fly Point in Nelson Bay,” explained David.

“A labyrinth is a space where communities can gather together for meditation and reflection and other practical exercises used in health and wellbeing.

“The Remembrance Walk is an example of the community coming together to support one another through various activities.

“From 9am on Sunday 8 September, we will be meeting at Iluka Reserve, Boat Harbour where there will be a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, a guest speaker, wellbeing activities, coffee, barbeque and refreshments, as well as the walk itself, and everyone is welcome to attend.”

For more details on the walk or queries about volunteering with PSSPN, contact david.creenaune@psspn.org.au.

By Simon EKINS