Western NSW Regional Suicide Prevention Forum to help tackle challenging issue

The forum, for invited attendees only, focuses on suicide prevention, an issue said to be one of the region's most challenging. It is being hosted by Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN).

According to WNSW PHN acting CEO Robert Strickland, the suicide rate in Western NSW is higher than the state average and bringing together people with knowledge is essential to developing effective strategies.

"WNSW PHN is developing and delivering localised strategies to address common sources of distress, such as isolation and disconnection from family, friends, community and culture," Mr Strickland said.

The event will run over two days and is an opportunity for attendees to learn the latest developments across the region, continuing and developing strategies and hear from a line-up of guest speakers.

Speakers include Leilani Darwin from the Black Dog Institute, who will present an update on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Unit, SANE Peer Support Lead Immie Wijeratne, who will speak on addressing stigma in our communities, and Associate Professor Simon Rosenbaum of the University of New South Wales, who will present details on looking after the whole person and the mind/body connection.

The forum will run at Rhino Lodge, Dubbo, on Tuesday, May 4, and Wednesday, May 5th, from 9 am.

The forum is not open to the general public.

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