Castlemaine Safe Space World Suicide Prevention Day Gathering and Candle Lighting

The Castlemaine Safe Space, a non-clinical free drop-in centre staffed by trained local Peer Volunteers, will be holding a reflection and candle lighting ceremony at the Safe Space in Castlemaine from 7 – 8:30 pm on Wednesday September 10th at 74 Mostyn Street Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia.

Please come and join us, or, if you aren’t able to, light a candle near a window at 8pm
to show your support for suicide prevention, to remember a lost loved one
and to offer support for people struggling with the grief of suicide loss of a loved one.

The theme for this years event is Changing the Narrative on Suicide.  It’s about shifting from a culture of silence and lack of understanding to one of openness, empathy, and support.

Changing the narrative means fostering empathy and compassion for those who are struggling. It means understanding that suicidal thoughts and feelings are a sign of immense pain and- distress, and that talking about suicidal thoughts does not increase their presence or occurrence. It means listening without judgment, offering support, and guiding individuals towards help.

For us at the Castlemaine Safe Space, we listen and provide warmth and support. We ask our guests what’s been happening for them, and offer empathy stemming from our own lived experience, something that often can’t happen in a hospital emergency room situation.

We recognise that thoughts about suicide are universal and normal.

We acknowledge all with a lived experience of suicide – those who have experienced suicidal thoughts, made an attempt on their life, cared for loved ones through crisis, or been bereaved through suicide.

We remember those we have lost to suicide and acknowledge that you matter, you always did, and you always will. – you have left footprints on our hearts and minds forever.