On average every day approximately nine Australians lose their life by suicide and it remains a major cause within men. For every death by suicide, it is estimated that 30 people attempt to end their lives.

The organisation of the MLF is a group formed in 2006. Grapevine Group Association Inc that assists with delivering free training on suicide awareness and prevention.

It is the stigma, isolation and shame which in turn prevents those suffering from seeking help.

The Grapevine Group has been operating since 2004 and consists of a Mackay region non-for-profit suicide prevention community group. The Grapevine Group has been responsible for making strides within the regional areas of Mackay and surrounds with the aim to reduce the impact and promote taking difficult conversations head-on to tackle the topic.

Their trained volunteers educate the community and front-line workers and families with free suicide prevention education tools to find assistance for themselves or those they know.

The group has also developed the widely APPROVED GP Cards also known as the HELP-A-MATE LOCAL SUICIDE PREVENTION CARDS, these cards are essential tools as well as local centres that provide at a glance support services that are local in location. The support that the Grapevine Group has created has been translated into other print material for those living in Mackay and the Whitsundays which includes LGBTIQ+ and S.A.R.T publications.

All the education tools include suicide prevention for people on the spectrum, caregivers, victims of abuse, school education level, male/female based education as well as elder abuse prevention and improving literacy.

The Mental Health First Aid and Suicide Media Guidelines are distributed to schools and clubs with the reach of over 100,000 since 2004.

In 2020, suicide awareness has hit record highs, with nearly a 20,000 service card campaign in partnership with MLF delivered that also included awareness in response to COVID-19.

The Run For MLF is a run which is held every year in honour of Mackay.

The aim of this event is to raise awareness about suicide and mental health.

Since the first run in 2006 the Run for MLF has raised over $80,000, with significant funds going toward printing the SAFEtalk material.

One of the main aims of producing the SAFEtalk resources is the importance of information in making the critical difference between life and death. In order to continue making a difference around suicide education and training locally, donations and volunteers are vital for helping the group’s mission.

The Grapevine Association can be contacted by visiting the official website or follow their Facebook @runformlf or www.runformlf.com.au

Remember, If a friend, family member or someone you know needs help…

REACH OUT. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger because of thoughts of suicide please phone 000.

Roborn the Rose