A response to 'More to be done..?'
A guest article by Siobhan Catherine
Last week, we asked the question of whether there’s more we can do to help make Caneberra suicide-free by 2033, and here is a guest response from Siobhan Catherine. Thank you Siobhan.
Hi there,
I’m new to R4R, went for the second time yesterday. Have been running for about 15 years.
Running and the community it creates is one of the supports someone may have. But what if they don’t have the connection outside the group? I think encouraging people to connect from running (and other R4R activity groups that exist) to outside of R4R could help.
20 years ago I suffered and recovered from depression and anorexia. The person who supported me the most was my aunt and my GP. I had no other social connection because I didn’t want it, because I wanted to die and couldn’t relate to others not wanting to.
Connecting happened incrementally for me once I realised I did want to live (a whole other story involving the Boxing Day tsunami I survived). Connection happened through climbing and starting to say yes when I was invited for a coffee.
If people are showing up, they want connection, and that is a huge huge step.
One of the biggest issues in Australian society at the moment is loneliness. The group already does provide the opportunity for people to form real connections. I think some adults find it too vulnerable to say that we need friends in real life.
Perhaps one thing which could help is a reminder verbally to encourage people to really connect and if they want to, say yes to hanging out, outside the group too… or even a running buddy to start with?
What do you think?
What’s the best way to do this and is there something else we can do?
Tonight… R4R turns 5!
Some people are bringing cake and others are bringing a friend. Come celebrate 5 years of R4R and the amazing community that has been formed! With the Dock hosting, it shapes to be a great night.
Tomorrow Night
Join us for the 2nd Annual Santa Run and celebrate the festive season with fun, friends, and giving back!
📍 Where: The Jetty, Canberra
📅 When: Thursday, 19th December 2024
⏰ Time: Arrive from 5 PM | Run starts at 6 PM
🎄 $10 Entry Fee Donation (optional and can be purchased on the night)
✨ Dress-Up Theme: Christmas! Come as Santa, an elf, or even The Grinch!
Enjoy live music, festive vibes, and a Best Dressed Prize! Will Santa make an appearance? You’ll have to join to find out!
This year, we’re raising funds for Running for Resilience and Rise Above.
Bring your friends and family and get ready for a fun evening supporting a great cause. Don’t miss it!
Siobhan is right. We need to create more opportunities for people to connect outside of running.