Every year 3000 young people die by suicide in Australia.

With this horrifying statistic hanging over our heads, Parenting Guides Ltd (a not-for-profit) with well-known Australian actor Alan Hopgood OA (from HealthPlay), are working together to get this 35-minute play performed anywhere in Victoria. The play addresses how young people can reach breaking point without their parents realising.

Suicide: It’s Time We Talked

This challenging production combines a play about youth suicide and cyberbullying with an interactive panel of mental health experts who explore the theme and answer questions.

Some people fear that talking about suicide might have a “copycat” effect, but it is now agreed that appropriate discussion can help to prevent it.

Audience members have said:

“It was moving and authentic – it hits you in the heart.”

“It starts the conversation.”

“It wasn’t hammy – really well acted.”

“The conversation afterwards was really rewarding.”

 https://vimeo.com/326014992/929a5739ad

'We failed to read the signs' (father who nearly lost his son)

"We knew it [bullying] was happening, but we talked to him and we would tell him 'they're just words, you've got to be the bigger man',"

"Our main reason for speaking out is to urge other parents to take time to talk to your kids, even if what’s on their mind seems trivial at first. It's hard to do it, but we hope that it can make a difference."

‘Suicide should be discussed more openly’ (leading health professional)

One of Australia's foremost authorities on youth mental health, Professor Patrick McGorry (Orygen), has commended the family (above) on their decision to share their story.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-06/father-speaks-out-about-his-sons-suicide-attempt-after-bullying/1091952