Families will come together in solidarity over the weekend to remember their loved ones who have died to suicide.
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Sunday will mark the sixth annual Ripples of Hope event, which is run by the Wagga Wagga and Region Suicide Prevention Network and Wellways.
One of the participants will be Nicole Maher, who lost her own father to suicide five years ago.
Ms Maher said the annual gathering was a way for families with similar lived experiences to help and support one another.
"The event provides a valuable opportunity for those who have lost someone to suicide to come together with others in the community who have experienced this loss," Ms Maher said.
"Together we can support each other, turn loss into hope, and make our community suicide-aware."
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Joining the event will be clinical psychologist Taneile Kitchingman, who works with many people in the region who have suffered suicides in the family.
Dr Kitchingman said the last 12 month had been especially hard for many people due to the long period of self-isolation, and that she was glad to see people coming together to support one another in person.
"It's a big part of what people in rural communities experience, and unfortunately they often experience that in isolation, which is why I think it's important to bring people with those similar experiences together to support each other," Dr Kitchingman said.
"Ripples of Hope is about bringing people with that shared experience together and banding together to acknowledge our loss, but also turn our collective loss into some hope."
Wagga Wagga and Region Suicide Prevention Network chairwoman Sarah Groves said the event was close to her heart, saying it was an outlet for people to emotionally support one another.
"There is something very special about turning loss into hope and I believe this event allows us to do just that," Ms Groves said.
"After a year like no other, this event is more important than ever and I hope we can all take something hopeful home with us."
Ripples of Hope will be held at 12pm on Sunday 16th May, and will take place at Apex Park at Lake Albert.
The event will commence with a remembrance service, followed by an optional walk around the lake, and end with a barbeque. Registrations are not required.
If you are experiencing mental distress please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Murrumbidgee AccessLine on 1800 800 994, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
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