Wangaratta Area Suicide Prevention W.A.S.P

The Wangaratta Area Suicide Prevention group (W.A.S.P) was formed in 2021 and brings together like minded members of the community to work towards reducing mental health and suicide stigma within Wangaratta and our nearby towns and surrounds.

We engage with the community in situ and via one on one conversations to reduce mental health and suicide stigma through supportive, inclusive and safe community focused events and programs across the Wangaratta area. Our hope is to build a community that values the importance of connection and kindness; that demonstrates the power of conversation and understands and takes action, so that the silence of suicide is not so loud.

We connect with others who have who have lost a loved one to suicide through a monthly support group (currently not running due to low numbers), in a safe and supported environment, free of stigma and judgement. We are building a database of like-minded allies across the Wangaratta area that we can learn from and connect with, to ensure the needs of our community are being addressed.

Our community website offers an up-to-date directory of more than 230 local services, community resources, helplines, organisations and support groups that offer crisis support, counselling, information and research about mental health and suicide prevention. The aim of our website is to connect people in crisis, as well as parents, family members, friends or individuals within the community looking to support someone who is at risk or that has previously attempted suicide, or is dealing with suicide loss, with the support services of relevant resources and helplines within a single portal.