Suicide victims remembered | Noosa News | Local News in Noosa

The soft glow of the candle was a sign of remembrance for a life lost, taken by suicide.

Last Thursday night thousands of people across Australia lit a candle at 8pm as part of World Suicide Prevention Day, to remember suicide victims and the people left behind.

On the Sunshine Coast Lynda Neville's candle was burning bright.

As co-ordinator of the Tewantin-based StandyBy Response Service she helps local people come to terms with the suicide of loved ones every day.

“In Australia about five people every day take their own life. There are not specific figures for the Coast, but there are about 30 to 40 suicides in this region every year,” Ms Neville said.

“At StandBy we provide a 24-hour suicide bereavement response service for families and friends who have lost someone dear through suicide. The people left behind after someone suicides suffer a lot.”

Ms Neville said those bereaved by suicide often felt helpless and needed time to grieve.

“StandBy offers support to local people bereaved by suicide, regardless of when or where the suicide occurred by providing an integrated response utilising existing emergency and community support mechanisms,” Ms Neville said.

“Active participation and co-operation of a wide range of agencies, such as police, ambulance, courts, community groups and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities results in bereaved people accessing the right support, at the right time and in the right place.”

On Saturday StandBy, in conjunction with United Synergies and the International Association for Suicide Prevention, held the annual Sunshine Coast Community Suicide Bereavement Remembrance Day service at Picnic Point, Maroochydore.

Anyone seeking information about the service or StandBy's suicide bereavement support can contact Ms Neville on 0407 766 961.