Caroline Mazel-Calton, Patricia Tran, Lowanna Hugall and Sera Davidow.
Camera IconCaroline Mazel-Calton, Patricia Tran, Lowanna Hugall and Sera Davidow. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Alternatives to Suicide group meets in Mandurah

Victoria RificiMandurah Coastal Times

DAWESVILLE resident Lowanna Hugall hosted the nation’s first round of Alternatives to Suicide group sessions in Mandurah on April 17 to help struggling locals find non-clinical ways to deal with suicidal thoughts.

Alternatives to Suicide group co-ordinator and psychology student Ms Hugall said the 90-minute peer support sessions provided alternative solutions to suicide, originally encouraged by the Western Massachusetts Recovery Learning Centre in the US.

“Two weeks ago, two women came from the Western Massachusetts Centre and told us since they started 10 years ago, they had no one going to the groups take their own life ,” she said.

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“People have been known to walk out of these groups with so much relief.

“Rather than being clinically risk-assessed, put in hospital and considered safe, these sessions are about realising you’re having suicidal thoughts and we’re going to get together and talk about it with other people.”

The 45-year-old said the peer-run group would strategise how to deal with suicidal thoughts without the feeling of collusion and judgement.

“We would listen deeply to these suicidal stories rather than fix anything or diagnose anything,” she said.

Ms Hugall said she would host the weekly group sessions but there was no power difference between her and the participants.

“It’s very much to do with personal stories and sharing my experiences with suicide, experience of life and how to deal with things,” she said.

“There’s no judgement. They don’t have to give their name; it’s just a forum where you can feel free to talk.”

According to Ms Hugall, there will be no limit to the number of attendees or age groups.

“Anyone who’s suicidal, suffering from thoughts of suicide and is a suicide survivor can attend,” she said.

The sessions will take place every Tuesday at 29-31 Sholl Street in Mandurah, 6-7.30pm.

Attendees will be asked to make a gold coin donation.