Western Downs region, Condamine to host suicide prevention meeting for community members

Residents in the Western Downs have been invited to attend a suicide prevention lunch in Condamine next week that aims to introduce a network of wellbeing strategies to the region.

Community groups and mental health advocates will join in the Western Downs next week to discuss strategies to assist in suicide prevention throughout the region.

Wesley LifeForce, which has launched more than 130 community-based networks across the country, will host the free barbecue for Condamine, Chinchilla and Miles residents on Friday April 21 with the aim of establishing a suicide prevention network.

Wesley LifeForce Networks suicide prevention co-ordinator Stephen Moroney said the network was a voluntary collaboration between people and organisations who work together with the goal of preventing suicide.

“Community suicide prevention networks play a key role in co-ordinating collaboration and resource exchange within the community,” Mr Moroney said.

He said the Western Downs region was noted as a targeted area by the chair of the Gympie suicide prevention network, Ruth Polley, who acknowledged there was a need for a network in the area.

“It was discussed as being a rural remote area and having a disadvantage of less services in mental health and wellbeing,” he said.

The barbecue lunch will be held from 12pm on April 21 at Pioneer Park, Leichhardt Highway, Condamine.

Residents can book their place by contacting Stephen on 0439 062 038 or email [e-mail]