People who have been impacted by the death of a loved one or friend through suicide will be given the opportunity to come together to remember and grieve at a memorial service in Brisbane on Thursday 4 April 2019 between 12 noon and 1 pm.
The Wesley LifeForce Memorial Service will be held at King George Square (enter via Ann Street), Brisbane.
The service will give people the opportunity to come together and share their sorrow in a spirit of comfort, support and hope.
The CEO of Wesley Mission, the Rev Keith Garner, AM who will be delivering the keynote address on the day, said recovery or healing from a loss by suicide can be a difficult and long journey.
“The process of mending a broken heart does not take a week, a month or a year but a lifetime,” Mr Garner said.
“The road to healing is not only long, but can be bumpy with many obstacles in the way. However by drawing upon inner-resources and by being in touch with our feelings, we can find an appropriate attitude to the past, the present and the future.
“The Wesley LifeForce Memorial Service is an opportunity to provide comfort to those bereaved by suicide, to help reduce the stigma associated with suicide and to honour the memory of their loved ones.”
The service will also hear from speakers including Jessica Smith,who lost her step father to suicide during her time as a medical volunteer in Tanzania, Africa.
People will also be able to leave a message of love and remembrance on the Wesley LifeForce Memorial Wall. Counsellors will be present to offer support. The event will include a musical performance from Karen Elliott.
Wesley LifeForce is a national suicide prevention program run by Wesley Mission that educates, empowers and resources communities in a sustainable and ethical way. Almost 40,000 people have been trained through the program during the past 12 years.
MEDIA PLEASE NOTE: Most people – including media professionals – have been touched by suicide. For many people, the service will be one of mixed emotions. We ask that you respect the privacy of people who are attending and those participating in the service.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Media enquiries: Margaret Griffiths, Wesley Mission 0418 731 180
margaret.griffiths@wesleymission.org.au
