There are several Days of Awareness falling within September this year, so this might be a good time to check in on the important people in your life to make sure they are doing ok.
National Child Protection Week is 6th – 12th September and includes Bravehearts’ Day on 9th September
NAPCAN is an Australian organisation focusing entirely on the prevention of child abuse and neglect before it starts. And Bravehearts Day is Australia’s largest and longest-running campaign dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse.
The National Association for Prevention of Child abuse and Neglect was formed by two women who saw that the abuse and neglect of children was a taboo topic in Australian society in the 1980s. They were determined to change this and create safer communities for children. They set about to achieve this vision with the assistance of a passionate team of volunteers and a range of influential and committed partners.
Since those days NAPCAN has remained dedicated to bringing the eradication of child abuse and neglect to the forefront of Australian society. They are a national organisation with 25 full and part time staff delivering services across Australia, working with thousands of volunteers trained to deliver their programs. Their staff work under the guidance of a Board of Directors and work with all levels of government, businesses, community services and organisations, families and individuals for the betterment of children and young people in our shared community. You can read more about the work they do and their programs and training at: www.napcan.org.au/about-us/ and you can find Bravehearts at: www.braveheartsday.com.au/
R U OK? DAY on 8th September
Got a feeling that someone you know or care about isn’t behaving as they normally would? Perhaps they seem a little out of sorts or more agitated or withdrawn? Trust that gut instinct and act on it. Learn more about the signs and when it’s time to ask R U OK? By visiting this website: www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask
By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes you’ve noticed, you could help that family member, friend or workmate open up. If they say they are not ok, you can follow the conversation steps on the website to show them they’re supported and help them find strategies to better manage their load, or point them in the right direction in order to find the help they need. If they are ok, that person will know you’re someone who cares enough to ask. So what have you got to lose?
World Suicide Prevention Day is 10th September
Suicide has a devastating impact on families, friends and whole communities. The statistics can be confronting, as behind every number is a human life. Lifeline believes that most suicides are preventable and will continue to advocate, educate and work to keep people safe. Lifeline is Australia’s largest suicide prevention service provider with over 1 million Australians reaching out to Lifeline for support over the course of one year. Lifeline’s 13 11 14 crisis support line receives a call every 30 seconds. There are 3,500 Crisis Supporters working with Lifeline so no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone. 8.6 Australians die every day by suicide. That’s more than double the road toll. 75% of those who take their own life are male. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 44. People in rural populations are 2 times more likely to die by suicide. Beyond the tragic loss of the person, the impact of suicide deaths are felt by up to 135 people, including family members, work colleagues, friends, first responders at the time of death. An estimated 1 in 3 of Australians reported feeling lonely. Lifeline is here to listen and may also be contacted via their website at: www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/i-m-feeling-suicidal/
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