Suicide in ACT nearly halves...
Yes... you read that right
Just quickly…
And before we get started…
If we had it our way, every week we’d be sharing a story from within our community. Thank you to everyone who’s contributed so for and if you’d like to add to the momentum, please email hello@runningforresilience.com
Suicide in ACT nearly halves
Suicide rates in Canberra dropped by 44% between 2021 and 2023. 66 people took their life in 2021… 55 did so in 2022, and 37 did in 2023…
It’s hard not to think about the lives lost in these figures. 158 Canberran’s who’ve left this world because they thought they’d be better for it.
It’s a sobering reminder of the heartache that R4R tries to prevent, but it’s also a promising indicator that we’re on the right track.
To go fast, go alone. To go far, go together.
We know that for Canberra to be suicide-free, it needs to be achieved and maintained by all of Canberra, and we know that R4R is nowhere near big enough to have caused this trend reversal by ourselves.
This reduction in suicides is because our city cares. It shows that people living here believe that no one is destined for suicide, and that everyone can get through their hardship.
It shows that there are people who care enough to put their money where their mouth is, working in emergency and professional services, supporting social and community initiatives, and looking after themselves and others.
As for R4R, we’re still doing what we do best… exercise and community.
But recently, we’ve launched Running for Resilience with the AFP, Recess for Resilience with Canberra Grammar, and we’re partnering with the likes of Menslink and Medicare Mental Health Centre.
Why we’re doing this…
Imagine a Canberra where schools and workplaces are engaging with the concept of community and exercise to support resilience. Imagine other charities and organisations declaring that they’re working toward a suicide-free Canberra too…
What happens then?
If this reduces suicide figures even further… our emergency, professional, and community services are better positioned to save more lives… and this would continue the trend, wouldn’t it?
A suicide-free Canberra is possible.
And every life saved trying to make it happen is worth it.