Dubbo "locals" who have attempted to take their own lives or are grieving for loved ones lost to suicide are the subjects of a series of video podcasts to be released on social media by Tradies in Sight.
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The founder of the not-for-profit organisation, Bruno Efoti, revealed its decision to develop the six-podcast series when promoting Dubbo Cares Day, set down for next Wednesday.
Volunteer-run Tradies in Sight was launched in early 2018 to encourage young men, in particular, to talk about their problems and seek help if needed.
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It has reached more than 3000 men and women in Dubbo through about 30 events, including breakfast at hardware stores.
This week Mr Efoti, a former carpenter now working as a counsellor, is collaborating with his "great team" in putting the finishing touches to the podcasts.
On Tuesday he told the Daily Liberal of the "powerful" stories" he hopes will be uploaded to the Tradies in Sight Facebook page and Instagram account, perhaps as early as next week.
Mr Efoti reported "so many families are suffering in silence". "We have talked with family members who have lost loved ones but also ones that have attempted suicide but have survived," he said. "They are happy to have their stories aired.
"We are hoping when others hear them, they know they are not alone in pain and that they have a space where they actually can express the pain they are going through."
Mr Efoti is aghast that families are having to suppress their grief.
"The coroner makes the decision as to what is a suicide and that takes two years," he said. "People need to be able to start healing from when they find out. It doesn't matter how we lose our loved ones. People need to feel free to grieve."
Tradies in Sight, the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) and Lifeline Central West are launching Dubbo Cares Day on October 28.
They will decorate Macquarie and Talbragar streets with yellow ribbons, a symbol of hope in the battle against suicide.
A free barbecue breakfast and lunch at the Church Street rotunda until 2pm will allow residents to meet with mental health service providers.
Dubbo Cares Day will promote the "importance of conversations within our community, how to have them, and where to get help if things aren't OK".
