SUICIDE Prevention through education and support is the focus of Reach for Help Week at Majestic Cinemas.

From every movie ticket sold on the Mid North Coast between September 22 and 28, Majestic Cinemas will donate $1 to Suicide Prevention Australia.

“After being touched personally by the grief of a suicide, I knew we could do more, especially when we are all feeling the stresses and strains of the last few years,” said Kieren Dell, CEO at Majestic Cinemas.

“Reach for Help Week is an annual event held in honour of my daughter Maddy and every other family that has lost loved ones, in the hope we can help to prevent it happening in future,” he said.

The funds raised support Suicide Prevention Australia to be adequately resource to assist in keeping people safe and can meet the needs of those at risk of suicide.

“The organisation does this by funding research and improving the standard of suicide prevention programs.

In addition, their work enhances the skills of people providing suicide prevention support and services.”

Kieren explained the importance of reaching out.

“There are many services that are there to listen and talk to people, but it is just the act of reaching out and asking for help, from family, friends or professionals that is key.

“I know in my daughter’s case, we encouraged her all her life to ask for help, but she didn’t feel able to do so when she was in her darkest moments, even to those closest to her who could have helped her and reminded her how much she was loved.

“All it can take to turn things around is one conversation, one person re-affirming that you are loved, even when you are in your darkest place.”

This is the second year of the event, taking place across the first week of the September school holidays, with Majestic hoping the timing will help raise significant funds for the charity organisation and this important cause.

Last year saw over $10,000 raised, and with great movies like Ticket to Paradise, DC League of Super Pets and the re-release of Avatar in Cinemas these holidays, they are hoping to raise even more this year.

“Whilst our business is a place of entertainment, it can also be a place of education and we can use our voice to inform our local communities of the support services that are available to them.

“The school holidays always bring out extra moviegoers and the fact it is also the anniversary of losing our Maddy, it’s fitting that we can commemorate her life, raise funds and educate others to Reach for Help all at the same time,” said Kieren.

If you are an organisation on the Mid North Coast wishing to support Reach for Help Week, please contact Kieren Dell on 0427 461 186 or at kd@majesticcinemas.com.au.

The following services offer telephone (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) and online support:
Lifeline – 131 114, www.lifeline.org.au

MensLine – 1300 789 978, www.mensline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467, www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800, www.kidshelp.com.au

For a complete list of services, visit www.suicidepreventionaust.org and select Get Help.

By Andrea FERRARI