On Saturday, October 20 there will be a Remembrance Walk at Tips Billabong, Panboola starting at 11am.
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The walk honours those who have been lost to mental illness, those still struggling with its effects and anyone impacted.
Organised by Bega Valley Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN) the walk, which co-incides with Mental Health Month activities, has tended to be in Bega in previous years but this year has moved to Panboola.
SPAN committee member and organiser of the Remembrance Walk Kath Miller said it was a chance to reflect in a safe space, and to talk, if people want to.
“For people who have lost someone, the memories stay with us forever and this is a chance to reflect on the lives of those who we have lost,” Ms Miller said.
The event will start by gathering at Tips Billabong at 11am where there will be an acknowledgement of country by Nathan Lygon.
Chair of SPAN Greg Miller will welcome everyone and walkers will be given a Gerbera, the SPAN symbol.
“We will walk along the Billabong, this is not a structured walk but a chance for very peaceful and calm reflection,” Ms Miller said.
“People can bring a photo of a someone they have lost, if they wish and we will have a table to place your flower and photo. Afterwards there will be morning tea and a coffee van will be on site too,” she said, adding that people might like to bring a chair.
SPAN committee member Helen Best said that the gathering was often small but very meaningful for those who take part.
“We welcome anyone, any members of the community, to join us whether it’s people who have lost someone to suicide, or whether it’s to honour someone struggling with mental health issues. We welcome those impacted both directly and as friends or family,” Ms Best said.
The Bega Valley Suicide Prevention Action Network was established in 2010 as a result of community concern around suicide. The network is made up of community members as well as service providers from a variety of settings. SPAN aims to help prevent suicide in our community and better support those bereaved by suicide.
SPAN helps arrange and co-ordinate a range of events during Mental Health Month. For more information contact Helen Best on 0428 430 368 (secretary), or Greg Miller (chair) on 6495 0378, or email begaspan@gmail.com
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