#SafeJourney group helps the suicidal
"Things change – whatever problem you may have, there is always hope and you are not alone."
THE number of recent suicides in the South has shocked many people, especially founders of #SafeJourney, an Alberton-based group that strives to help suicidal people through their journey of pain.
Founders of the group, James Dunn and Jon-Daniel Sadie, along with their five co-members, agree that they have a soft spot for people who feel completely hopeless and suicidal. Recently, after three teens from Alberton committed suicide in one week, they felt compelled to do something about it.
A helping hand
“We cannot measure the value of life cut short by suicide,” James said.
“Who knows what impact that life may have had on the world or in others’ lives if it were not ended? We should not be crying at funerals – we should offer a helping hand and a listening ear before it can get to that point.”
#SafeJourney wants to help anyone who is experiencing serious suicidal thoughts, through their journey of pain and depression. This group wants to take a more hands-on approach when helping someone by maintaining a relationship and showing long-term support to each person who calls on them for help.
“It’s important to understand each person and what they are going through,” said James.
“It’s important to identify with them and gain insight as to why they want to end their lives and why they feel like there’s no other way out.
“We want them to know that we are there to listen. There is hope and there are people who care about them. We will never judge them and we will never reveal anything they share with us to anyone. We want to be a safe space for them.
“We all have problems and we’ve all made some bad choices. But, suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
“They must also know that the people in this group know exactly how it feels to be suicidal, depressed, or regret some previous decisions. But, we’re still here, alive and well. Things change – whatever problem you may have, there is always hope and you are not alone,” James emphasised.
Problems can be solved
This group knows that people who are suicidal won’t talk to people about it, because they worry about letting their loved ones down. They know that they cannot argue someone out of committing suicide and that saying things like “you have so much to live for” and “suicide will hurt everyone around you” is definitely of no help at all.
Instead, they want these people to know that someone cares. This suicidal feeling is only temporary, as well as the problems that seem never-ending. Depression can be treated and the problems can be solved.
#SafeJourney is asking for the support of parents, schools, churches and youth groups and to help create awareness about them. They want all who feel hopeless and depressed, with no will to go on, to know that no matter what, they are there to listen and help.
“If we can just help one person, it will be worth everything for us,” James concluded.
Keep in touch with #SafeJourney on Facebook (Safe Journey), Instagram (safejourneysa), Twitter (@safejourneysa), or by giving them a call on 064 266 8917. Please share the word and contact number.
*Photos from www.Pixabay.com
Also Read:
https://albertonrecord.co.za/172667/brandpunt-fotoklub-se-maart-wenners/
https://albertonrecord.co.za/172210/help-find-parents/
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