WITH drought engulfing regional areas and many people suffering financial hardship Farmlink Inverell has decided to take their suicide awareness campaign around the region.
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The SCARF (Suspect Care Ask Refer Follow-up) program run by the group will come to Tenterfield next Wednesday, December 3.
The free seminar will be held to try bring to light the issue of suicide and mental health in rural areas like Tenterfield.
“It’s an interactive program that looks at what factors lead to mental health and how we can make people healthier,” program co-ordinator Meg Percival said.
She says the program has reached out to more than 700 people since it began operating.
“Evaluating the results – it has been absolutely outstanding.
“People are changing their knowledge of suicide and gaining the confidence to interact. It is helping reduce the stigma.”
Funded under the Commonwealth National Suicide Prevention Program Ms Percival said struggling farmers were their major target audience.
The seminar will be held at the Bowling Club next Wednesday between 10am and 2pm. Lunch is $15 per head and RSVPs to the Bowling Club are required by December 1.
If you are struggling with depression you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the 24 hour suicide call back service on 1300 659 467.