View this email in your browser

Newsletter December 2014

Welcome message from Prof. Diego De Leo

With this issue Postvention Australia begins a series of communications with its followers through a Newsletter. Planned as a quarterly publication, the Newsletter integrates the recently launched website of the association, which I believe is quite rich and informative, as required by the mission of Postvention Australia: to connect bereaved by suicide people, offer them useful indications, and provide opportunities to lessen – at least a bit – the unbearable suffering of their loss.

A newsletter is meant to provide information of interest to members of an association and other parties by including news and upcoming events, as well as contact opportunities. We are expecting our Newsletter to host also discussions and dialogues between members, and insights on research activities. The field of suicide bereavement has grown enormously in the past decade, and not only narratives and lived experiences but also research articles are increasingly populating pages of a literature previously very, very limited (I would say, a land nearly desert until not so long ago).

However, if research is essential to the growth of any field, communication to members and among members is fundamentally important when loneliness and isolation – consequent to such tragic losses as deaths due to suicide – become constant characteristics of the residual living of bereaved persons. Together, we can fight the stigma embedded to suicide in a much more effective way. Talking openly about what has happened might give back the sense of belongingness shattered by the event, and the lost position in the community or the role in society. Sometimes, receiving support comes as unexpected, by surprise; nearly always, offering support provides meaning to the giver. Within Postvention Australia, we would like to be able to both receive and donate help, and it is with great hope and enthusiasm that we commence this initiative. We know that it is a big endeavour, and we are prepared to undertake it responsibly and respectfully.

Together can be easier.

Postvention Australia Conference 2014

The 2014 conference theme was “Hope and healing”. The conference provided opportunity for delegates from across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific to network and share together their experience and knowledge. The conference featured international guests and Australian presenters who are experts in the field of Postvention.
More information on the day and the conference photo gallery

Christmas memorial wreath

A Christmas wreath is a traditional part of Christmas in many homes. It is a simple ornamented wreath in which you can place four candles. The wreath may be placed on a table or in a special place around your Christmas tree. As you light each candle this year you may create a new ritual, which will become a lasting tradition for your Christmas. We hope this memorial will help you include your loved one in celebration.
A timely contribution from Alan Staines, National Secretary, Postvention Australia

WA Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention

The first Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention was first set up in 2009 with the view to really make a difference in Suicide Prevention and to bring about community awareness of this very sensitive issue. I joined the Council in 2011 at the invitation of the honourable Helen Morton and of course the approval of Cabinet. It has been a sharp learning curve for all those involved as this was the first council set up in Australia dedicated to Suicide Prevention.
Board member Estelle Dragun provides an insight into the WA Ministerial Council on Suicide Prevention

Our website is here!

International survivors day marked the release of the Postvention Australia website.
The website includes a directory of Australian support groups, publications and opportunities for contributions from you.
We look forward to providing an agile and evolving tool that acts as a bridge to carefully curated information, support services and gives a voice to the many of us impacted by the tragedy of suicide.
We are fortunate to have the support of many well known Australians. More details in the Media Release