"Mens mental health and suicide prevention"
Has worked for last 18 years in Community services, with mental health certificate. Now an ambassador for Sharka project and working towards being a facilitator - (Mens mental health awareness group).
Both Nea and Jarrod were busy working and looking after two children now at school and planning for a holiday - time together when a serious medical condition took Jarrods Nan, and postponed many planned activities.This topped off a time of tumultuous family breakdown - Neas husband Jarrod, decided to take his own life leaving Nea and two young children behind.
Meeting in 2011 Nea moved to Portland with Jarrod and they shared step-parenting emotions - They both supported each other and relied on each other, but when things got too hard, Jarrod brushed off a need to talk saying "It is what it is!" -a saying Nea now cant stand. It is a way blokes try to 'get on' and a myth we know - " Men are weak", if they need to talk.
Nea has spent many days just trying to get through and provide support to their children, when they cry out missing ther Dad, or mistake someone wearing the same shirt as their father. Trying to manage everything, bill, finances, the lawn mower, maintenance, - decisions and a sounding board that was Jarrod.
Nea wants men to know how much they mean to us and what happens when they go - Loss of identity, future and dreams, the home that is now just a house because he is not there, and the part of her and their children that is now missing, and for men to hang on for any reason, that would keep them from suiciding.
Nine lives are lost each day to suicide in Australia
I want to show my girls that we can still help prevent suicide, even though we are feeling this sadness. Rotary can help by supporting the activities such as support groups. Nea would like to create a local event where men can get together to see what is available in the community for volunteer work - a place men can get together and talk. Mens shed have provided their space for the support groups. Examples:
- Fishing charter TBA
- Golf day for men TBA
- Mens health day TBA
Some fundraising activities have been/are:
- The golf day at Heywood golf day last November with $6K raised for Mental Health institute to help prevent suicide, which is now a yearly findraiser.
- The Gala ball this year sold 220 tickets and $17K - for local community Mens mental health support groups
- Melbourne Cup day for Mens mental health at the Royal hotel TBA
Remember - you are not alone.
Lifeline 13 11 41
You dont have to be suicidal to call Lifelife - they are there to talk.
Thanks Nea - a very heartfelt, powerful reminder<3
