By Aaron Cordy
THE walk for compassion, empathy and understanding was held last Saturday at Victoria Park Lake. Neffy’s Walk Let’s Talk, is a suicide prevention awareness walk organised by the members of Neffy’s We Listen, the Shepparton/Mooroopna-based group created to make a safe space for locals who are suffering from suicidal ideation or need support after a loved one has taken their own life.
Steven Neff founded Neffy’s Walk Let’s Talk and Neffy’s We Listen to reach out and help people in the wake of his own loss to suicide.
Nationals Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe and Federal Member for Nicholls, Sam Birrell attended and shared their thoughts along with their support for a subject many people don’t know how, let alone want to face. It needs to be with open conversation and loving support from all walks of life because the sad truth is no one is immune to the tragedy.
Multicultural Liaison Officer of the Shepparton Police, Leigh Johnson, spoke from the heart along with members of the community. Members of the Ethnic Council gave their support, before the group made the sombre walk around the lake.
You’ll never know how the conversation will end if you never ask.
If you do feel at a loss and in need of support and you want to begin the conversation that may save your life or the life of someone you love, call: Neffy’s We Listen, 0400314858, Lifeline, 131114. Beyond Blue, 1300224636. Suicide Call Back, 1300659467. 1300YARN, 1300139276. Kids Helpline, 1800551800.
