Josh Gudsell, co-ordinator of The Talk: A Community Information Night on Suicide Prevention.

Information evening to provide a lifeline

IT’S an uncomfortable conversation but one that needs to be had: how do we ask people if they need help and seek help when we need it ourselves?

Launceston man Josh Gudsell has made it his mission to help empower the community to have difficult discussions around suicide with community information evening The Talk.

Representatives from Lifeline Tasmania, Speak Up Stay ChatTY, Headspace North and the Tasmanian Health Service will present at the forum alongside guest speakers.

“Like anyone, I’ve been affected by suicide a number of times, and essentially The Talk was to be able to connect people with the services and connect everyone to understand how they can talk about suicide and seek help,” Mr Gudsell said.

“Everyone has jumped on board. Everyone’s in agreeance that suicide is an issue … and every single person has been keen to get involved.”

The event, to be held July 16 at Sawtooth ARI in Launceston, will be accessible and suitable for all ages.

■If you need help, you can contact Lifeline on 131 114, beyondblue on 1300 224 636, Lifelink Samaritans on 1300 364 566, Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, or MensLine Australia 1300 789 978.

Courtesy of The Examiner