38 people have committed suicide in Roleystone in the last 12 years according to Dr Ojo. As I understand, recently its been young adults in their 20's.

There was a closed pilot meeting last night about the recent suicides in Roleystone. Members from the Football Club, Fire brigade, Councillor Pat Hart and even Alannah MacTiernan were there.

Julian Krieg from Wheatbelt Men's Heath gave us a presentation on what to look for and how to help people in crisis. His course is similar to that of a first aid course. As in first aid you need to know the basics to keeping a person alive and getting them to help. The same principals apply.

Importantly he explains... "It is safe to talk about suicide - you won't make matters worse - you could make it significantly better."

There are plans to have a public program in the Roleystone town hall. "The knowledge outlined in the program is designed to help you, should the need arise, to talk to a distress person."

So keep an eye on the local rags and Roleynet for the upcoming suicide meetings and programs. Linda from the Courier is also doing an article in the next issue.

Like most people, I'm very ignorant to all this, and like most have absolutely no counselling skills. I have avoided the topic until now. But as Julian says, it's general people in the community like us that need to at least know the basics because, some day, we may be in a position to assist a person in need.

For people in crisis or for professional advice, these help lines are available...

*)Mensline 1300 78 99 78

*)LifeLine 13 11 14

*)Suicide Helpline 1300 651 251

*)Dr Ojo - Roleystone Family Medical Centre 93977122

If you would like to know about Julian's course - 96902277

And, if you have anything to say or add - feel free to use this forum. If you feel it appropriate, please share your experience with us. Maybe we can can learn by your experiences.