Rain didn't dampen the spirits of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Network members at the weekend who held a small walk to commemorate their loved ones.
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The walk traditionally sees hundreds of people gather and walk to remember loved ones but the 2021 event was cancelled due to coronavirus.
Ms McGregor said the smaller event might not have had the same feel to it as usual but it was still important.
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"We felt as a committee, it was good for us to get together face-to-face after zoom meeting for 12 months," co-founder Alannah McGregor said. "It is also important to say we're still here and not to forget the people suffering.
"The butterfly ceremony is always the most emotional part but was important to show we haven't fogotten people."
The SPAN group is ensuring it can encourage more suicide prevention awareness by putting its traditional butterfly ceremony at Bendigo Marketplace.
The butterfly ceremony sees families and friends of people who have died by suicide decorate a butterfly and pin it on a large net with others.
"I went up there this morning and there has been a few people put butterflies on it," Ms McGregor said. "Staff at the Telstra Shop said people are always stopping and looking at it. So it is raising awareness and the people that do put a butterfly on there, it is important for them to be able to do that.
"In the past we have mainly focused on the walk and had banner on Bendigo Bank but the Marketplace has been a good place for people congregate to raise awareness. For people who are not bereaved, it's an emotional and impactful way to realise that (suicide) does happen and we need to be aware."
"It's important to remind people that if they need help, they can seek help through a GP or Lifeline. People don't think to go a GP and it can be a good first place to go."
The display will be at Bendigo Marketplace until March 24. People can add to it during this time.
A butterfly template is available here.
The SPAN Central Victoria committee is confident the SPAN Walk return in 2022.
If you need help, talk to someone you trust or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
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