ELM Peer Support Group launch

This is a free community gathering for the whole family, as part of the International Day of Happiness, to launch the newly formed ELM Peer Support Group.

There will be speakers, a performance by local groups MaCapella and the 4 Strings Good Castlemaine Ukulele Ensemble, and a memorial walk accompanied by the Highland Pipe Band.  There will be an opportunity to contribute to the ELM tree of acknowledgement, or perform during the Open Mic for Hope. Open Mic for Hope will be hosted by Scott Sanders and Rex Watts, and feature local talent Matthew Colin and friends. Bring along a musical instrument and join in! There will also be free yoga and art activities for the whole family.

A free BBQ (with vego options) will be provided, and Ice Cream Social and a coffee van will be on site.

Please come and help us launch this amazing community support resource.

The Peer Support Group ~ support for people bereaved by suicide ~ is a branch of the ELM Network.  The group will commence monthly meetings in April, on the third Wednesday of every month.  The Peer Support Group is run by volunteers from the community who have been trained to support those bereaved by suicide, and who have shared similar loss themselves.  For more information about the Peer Support Group please contact Rachel on theELMpsg@gmail.com.

StandBy is another service that provides support in the Mount Alexander area to anyone who has been bereaved or impacted by suicide, including :

• individuals, families, friends and witnesses
• schools, workplaces and community groups
• first responders and service providers

Contact them 24/7 on 0439 173 310 or visit  www.standbysupport.com.au

If you are in need of crisis support, please call or connect online with one of the services below, available 24/7 across Australia:

Lifeline 13 11 44 www.lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 www.kidshelpine.com.au

MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78 www.mensline.org.au

If it is an emergency, call 000 immediately