Authors: AUTHOR: Jane Wilson ORGANISATION: Riverland Weekly
Year: 2009
Event: 2009 TheMHS Awards
Subject:
Type of resource: TheMHS Awards
Award state: SA
Award level: Winner
Award category: Print
Abstract: At a time in our region where property owners were becoming increasingly depressed and we were hearing of more suicides, I was asked to write a story about the resources available in our community for people suffering from depression or contemplating suicide. After researching the subject, I realised I couldn't cover the issues effectively in one article. I knew that our paper was a powerful tool and this was an opportunity to do something positive and make a difference to people's lives. My editor agreed to let me write a series of articles. Our ten part series “Reaching Out”, broke down the stigma, reinforced the importance of early intervention and empowered our community (particularly men) to seek help. By providing accurate information which was endorsed by local mental health workers, “Reaching Out” has led people in our community to seek professional help and give them hope for their future. This Award is in recognition of this outstanding series on depression which demonstrates the invaluable role of well- researched, empathic journalism in mental health matters.
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