WHEN sisters Abbey and Georgie Glenister take part in the Out of the Shadows Walk remembering their dad on Saturday, they will be shoulder to shoulder with their friends.
The Carine siblings lost their dad to suicide 11 years ago and have been part of the annual Lifeline WA walk through Kings Park, held a day before World Suicide Prevention Day, for several years.
Sacred Heart College classmates Caitlin Murphy, Joshua Murphy, Jeremy Arnold and Samantha Arnold, who will walk alongside the Glenisters, have also supported Abbey through her battle with anorexia and mental health issues.
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READ NOWCaitlin, who is Head Girl at Sacred Heart, said it was so important to let friends know they were not aloneg, that they could speak out and not be embarrassed to seek support.
“I want her (Abbey) to know that she has friends and family around her that love her dearly and because she is my best friend and she has always been there for me too,” Caitlin said.
“She has taught me how to be resilient and that you really don’t know what is happening in people’s lives.
“She’s taught me it’s so important to talk about your problems and feelings and mostly that it’s ok for people not to be ok.”
Abbey and Georgie said it meant a lot to have their friends beside them on the walk.
“I love how people show that they really care about us and it makes me feel so good to know that they remember my dad,” Abbey said.
“It’s hard that he’s missed so many things and on this day we can just walk for him and for us and for others who have gone through this.”
Georgie said she felt more relaxed having her friends there because they “get” the importance of the day for them.
Abbey said by sharing her experiences at school, her friends had become more careful and respectful when talking about depression and suicide.
“They are beginning to understand the importance of talking about using the different support services available, like Lifeline WA,” she said.
The Out of the Shadows Walk is from 5-7am on Saturday starting at the Wadjuk carpark and ending with coffee and muffins at Botanical Café.
To register, email nataliebird@lifelinewa.org.au.
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