Community support is vital to the contuinuation of the Lachlan Area Suicide Prevention Network which is holding its annual general meeting at 6pm on Wednesday, September 2.
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Rural Adversity Mental Health Consultant Di Gill said data consistently shows during times of economic hardship and rising unemployment, rates of suicide frequently rise.
"The Black Dog Institute estimates between 25 to 33 percent of the community experience high levels of worry and anxiety during pandemics," says Di.
"Our young people are particularly at risk with the possibility of a 33 percent increase in self harming behaviours when you add the situation of isolation from their peers when schools are closed down.
"Year 11 and 12 students, who are trying to complete what they consider the most important year of their academic study, have had everything turned upside down and inside out on them.
"A suicide prevention network, addressing the specific needs of a local area, is one of the most effective ways of raising community awareness on the issue of suicide," says Di.
Interested community members and organisations are most welcome to attend the meeting at the Uniting Church from 6pm on Wednesday, September 2 to learn more about the local suicide prevention project.
