Having experienced tremendous loss, Jacky Gilbee knows all too well that a positive blaze can be kindled during dark times.
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In 2020, Jacky founded the Goulburn Valley Suicide Awareness Group (GVSAG) following the passing of her son three years prior.
“We are here because Russell took his life eight years ago after desperately trying to get help,” Jacky said.
“As little as eight years ago, there was very little help available.”
The Goulburn Valley Suicide Awareness Walk was planned not long after the eight-strong GVSAG committee was formed, and attracted over 100 attendees in its first run.
Jacky felt inspired after attending the Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group walk held on Suicide Prevention Day.
“It was a cold morning,” Jacky said.
“And I felt surrounded by love.
“It was really good for me.”
The 6km GVSAG walk is held annually on September 10 in Yea in support of anyone affected by suicide.
This year, walkers will be able to look at, touch, or leave something heartfelt beneath a recently painted tree from the Blue Tree Project.
Located on the outskirts of Yea, the blue tree serves as a symbol of hope and acts as a conversation starter, leading the world one step closer to kicking the stigma of mental health.
Sparking conversation is what GVSAG is all about.
In order to spread awareness and promote prevention, the team behind GVSAG have taken it upon themselves to consciously and boldly reclaim the word suicide.
“The word suicide isn’t used, and we think that by using that word, by naming it and by learning to talk about it, there’s more chance of people reaching out,” Steve Joblin of GVSAG said.
In an effort to further kick mental health stigma throughout the region, GVSAG has opened up support groups for individuals experiencing grief due to loss by suicide.
The hour-long meetings will be held on one Saturday each month.
Held at Chittick Community Place on Pollard St in Seymour, the group will commence at 9.30am.
GVSAG encourages residents in Seymour to spark action in organising their own Suicide Prevention Day walk.
However, in the meantime, Jacky said GVSAG is bringing the support group to Seymour in an effort to provide locals in need with vital help.
“We wanted to target Seymour because there’s quite a lot of people in this area that have been affected by suicide,” Jacky said.
GVSAG has provided the training of the volunteers who facilitate the group, with the help of generous local sponsors as well as through a Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal mental health grant.
“Trained volunteers are there to listen, support and guide, but it’s also mostly the people who attend that give each other support,” Steve said.
“It’s for people to share what they want to share and gain strength from others that have also been on a similar journey.
“It’s about knowing that you’re not alone.”
For Jacky, speaking has been an aid throughout her own personal journey.
“I literally start crying if I don’t think of Russell every day and try to remember the good times, and talk to him as if he is here with me right now,” Jacky said.
“Seven years ago, there was next to bugger all for Russell, and he felt helpless, screaming out for help, and didn’t feel he could talk about his depression because of the stigma of suicide.
“It’s better now, but it can always be improved, and for the ones left behind, please use the support group to reach out and improve your outlook on your life, someone just listening is sometimes all you need.”
The next GVSAG support group will be held on Saturday, March 15.
For more information, head to https://gvsag.org.au or check out the GVSAG Facebook page.
If you, or anyone you know, are in need of support, contact the Suicide Line on 1300 651 251, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.
Cadet Journalist