World Suicide Prevention Day 2024

‘’Change the Narrative’’ 

You are allowed to say you are not OK! 


If you are reading this and you looked within, exhausted, in pain and hopeless –

take 5 mins to read further and hear this out. 


First, put your hand to your heart – do you feel that beating, do you feel the air in your lungs? It might feel sore, it might feel more painful than you can manage at the moment… 

But that moment is another moment that you have survived. 

Did it feel like you couldn’t do for even a second more? 


Try again – just once more. 

That is another moment you have survived. 

Are you feeling lonely? Did it feel like you were alone? 


In that moment, a hand was reaching out to you, gently holding yours when you took that breath needing you to know that even when you are in your darkest moment, there are people out there who will hold you and help you hold on.  If you don’t feel convinced right now, keep repeating those moments, but picture a hand in yours and keep doing it until it feels a little lighter. 

 

Every year over 700 000 people end their lives by suicide. It's quite hard to imagine a group of 700 000 people, let alone try to imagine the fact that each of them felt absolutely lost and hopeless, and felt they could not have a simple conversation. Perhaps we should reframe that, 700 000 people who felt it wasn’t ok to reach out and say the ‘simple’ words – I am not ok. If you have lost someone to suicide, know a family who has or if you have ever reached that point, you will know that there is at one least person, if not a group, a crowd who would have answered that call, who would have held their hand, who would have told them it was ok and that they wish every single day that they could have let that person know that. Perhaps you have been one of those who realised that it was ok to say, ‘I am not ok!’ 


Can we spread this message? 

Can you help us let someone know that telling a person that they are not ok is one of the most courageous acts they could ever do, and that no matter who, what, when and where – that simple act of courage is a loud voice saying to the world:

STOP! 

You do not define my existence! 

The stigma does not define my existence! 

And to anyone who is feeling the same, you have just let them know that is it also ok to say those few words… 


In your darkest place, you unknowingly gave someone else the strength to reach out! 

Here are some helpful resources if you are feeling desperate right now: 


Anonymous Suicide Hotlines ( Australia): 

Lifeline:  13 11 14 (24/7) 

Suicide Call back Service: 1300 659 467 

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 

For full list of helplines on any topic that may be leaving you feeling alone visit: 

Suicide Prevention Australia 

 

It’s time to start having conversations! 

If you are a loved one or a friend or someone who you know is going through a difficult time, even though they may seem okay – take 2 minutes to sit with them and ask if they are really ok. Often the hardest battles we fight in life are done in silence and it can be confusing to know where to turn or what signs to look out for:


Signs someone might be suicidal: 

Talking about: 

  • Wanting to die 
  • Great guilt or shame 
  • Being a burden to others 


Feeling: 

  • Empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live 
  • Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage 
  • Unbearable emotional or physical pain 


Changing behaviour, such as: 

  • Making a plan or researching ways to die. 
  • Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will 
  • Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast 
  • Displaying extreme mood swings 
  • Eating or sleeping more or less 
  • Using drugs or alcohol more often 




Which is why consistent open communication and conversations are vital! 

So today we pose the question 

Are you ok? 

A Successful Day at the Shoalhaven Disability Expo 2026

September 28, 2026
What a day! Thank you, Shoalhaven! 💙 Health Staff Australia was proud to be part of the Shoalhaven Disability Expo 2026, joining the community for a wonderful day focused on connection, inclusion, support and celebrating people of all abilities. With 97 stallholders coming together under one roof, the Expo provided an incredible opportunity for individuals, families, carers and community members to discover services, ask questions, share experiences and connect with organisations that can make a meaningful difference. Connecting with the Community Our Health Staff Australia team was there with our very own stand and table, and we were delighted to welcome so many people throughout the day. A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by our stand, took the time to chat with our team, asked questions and took our details. We loved meeting members of the Shoalhaven community and having the opportunity to introduce Health Staff Australia and the services and support we provide. "The conversations, connections and genuine interest we received made the day a real success for our team."

Health Staff Australia Is Excited to Return to the Shoalhaven Disability Expo 2026

September 4, 2026
Health Staff Australia is excited to be attending the Shoalhaven Disability Expo 2026 once again as a supplier and exhibitor! Having attended in previous years, we know just how valuable this event is for bringing together people with disability, families, carers, support workers, health professionals, community organisations and service providers. Each year has provided us with a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, have meaningful conversations and connect with the Shoalhaven community. We’re looking forward to being back at Bomaderry on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, and we can’t wait to see both familiar faces and plenty of new ones. Come and Meet the Health Staff Australia Team Health Staff Australia will have a dedicated table at the Expo, and we’d love for you to come and introduce yourself! For our team, attending events like the Shoalhaven Disability Expo is about much more than simply being there as an exhibitor. It gives us the opportunity to connect with people directly, understand the needs of the community, answer questions and introduce people to the services and support we provide. Our previous experiences at the Expo have been incredibly positive. We’ve enjoyed meeting individuals and families, connecting with other service providers and professionals, and building relationships within the local community. These face-to-face conversations are an important part of what we do, and we’re excited to continue building on those connections this year. Whether you’re already familiar with Health Staff Australia or are discovering us for the first time, come and have a chat with our team. We’re always happy to answer questions, share information and talk about how our services may be able to support individuals, families and organisations. Discover Services, Support and Opportunities The Shoalhaven Disability Expo brings more than 90 exhibitors together under one roof, making it an excellent opportunity to discover the range of services and resources available throughout the Shoalhaven and surrounding communities.

More Than a House: How Supported Independent Living Creates a Place to Thrive

July 28, 2026
For many people, home is much more than four walls and a roof. It's where routines are formed, confidence grows, friendships develop and life's everyday moments happen. For people living with disability, having the right home environment can make a significant difference to their independence, wellbeing and quality of life. That's where Supported Independent Living (SIL) comes in. Designed for NDIS participants who require support with everyday living, Supported Independent Living offers more than just accommodation. It provides a safe, supportive environment where people can develop practical life skills, work towards their personal goals and enjoy greater independence while receiving the level of support they need. Rather than focusing on what someone can't do, SIL focuses on what they can achieve with the right support beside them. A Home That Supports Independence Moving into a Supported Independent Living home is often a significant milestone. It represents the opportunity to gain greater independence while maintaining the reassurance of having experienced support workers available when needed. Every participant has unique goals, abilities and aspirations. Some may be working towards managing daily household tasks independently, while others may be focused on increasing community participation, building confidence or developing stronger social connections. SIL is designed to support these individual journeys, recognising that independence looks different for everyone. The beauty of Supported Independent Living is that support is personalised. Participants receive assistance that encourages them to do as much as they can for themselves while providing help where it is needed, creating the perfect balance between independence and support. Everyday Skills That Build Confidence Many of the skills we use every day are things we often take for granted. Preparing meals, doing laundry, shopping for groceries, managing appointments or keeping a home organised all contribute to living independently. Within a Supported Independent Living environment, these everyday activities become opportunities for learning, growth and achievement. Participants are encouraged to build practical life skills such as: Preparing healthy meals Shopping and budgeting Household cleaning and organisation Personal care routines Time management Using public transport Managing appointments Developing communication and social skills Every new skill learned contributes to greater confidence. Often, it's the small achievements that create the biggest sense of accomplishment, helping participants feel more capable and empowered in their daily lives. More Than Support—A Sense of Belonging One of the greatest benefits of Supported Independent Living is the sense of belonging it can provide. Living alongside others creates opportunities to form genuine friendships, share experiences and enjoy everyday moments together. Whether it's cooking dinner, celebrating birthdays, watching a favourite movie or heading out into the community, these shared experiences help reduce isolation and foster meaningful connections.  Feeling part of a household can have a positive impact on emotional wellbeing, helping participants build confidence not only within their home but also in their wider community.