A suicide support organisation in the Murraylands is expanding to the Riverland region.
With support from other community groups, Silent Ripples has set up a memorial bench at a garden near the Waikerie Silos for those who are bereaved by suicide.
It follows the establishment of a memorial in Murray Bridge’s Round House garden in 2013 with support from the Rural City of Murray Bridge.
Secretary Trevor Smith says they are special places for community members to remember their loved ones.
“It gives you a space and a place to come and sit and remember your person in a very respectful and honourable way,” Trevor Smith told ARN’s Jennie Lenman.
In the Murray Bridge garden, the organisation also provides pavers with engraved messages to remember each life lost.
In Waikerie, the shared space, including a revegetated garden, bench and seats, has been a joint initiative with local council, the local men’s shed, the CFS and other community groups.
Silent Ripples is keen to facilitate the establishment of more memorial gardens across South Australia. Community groups and individuals are encouraged to get in touch with the group if they are interested in the initiative and are keen to establish their own local support groups.
The Silent Ripples AGM is being held in Murray Bridge today (Wednesday 27 November), with an aim to appoint people into new roles and call on more community members to join up.
For support after losing a loved one to suicide, visit silentripples.net/contactus or standbysupport.com.au.
For people who need support with depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts, Lifeline is another resource providing 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention on 13 11 14.
Hear Trevor’s chat with Jennie via Sound Cloud.
