STAFF WRITERS
INDEPENDENT candidate for Monash, Deb Leonard is advocating for improved mental health services and suicide prevention strategies in the region, following many conversations with those in the community.
Ms Leonard recently met with Donna Kerr from Daniel’s Wings of Pride to explore solutions for bridging the gaps in mental health services.
Donna’s son Daniel struggled with mental health issues throughout his teenage years. Although he was proactive in reaching out for help, the necessary supports were not available, and he tragically took his own life in September 2023 at age 21.
Donna believes Daniel’s death could have been prevented with proper interventions. She is now committed to ensuring others do not experience similar gaps in the system.
In response to her son’s death, Donna founded Daniel’s Wings of Pride in his memory, aiming to provide essential mental health support.
“I don’t want the same thing to happen to any other child, parent or person ever again,” Donna said.
Donna has plans to facilitate a welcoming, judgment-free space in Leongatha for those seeking connection and support, offering a bereavement group and a safe place to talk.
Daniel’s Wings of Pride is holding its first Bereavement Group on Thursday, January 23 from 7.30pm at Deb Leonard’s campaign office at 40B Bair Street, Leongatha.
This group is free to attend and open for all those who have lost a loved one.
“Everyone is welcome to come for a confidential chat, a cupper and some supper,” Donna said.
“We listen, without judgment, everyone is welcome.”
Ms Leonard highlights the success of a similar initiative in Trafalgar run by Jason and Kerry Rantall of Better Mentall, where they have created an open space for people to drop in and have a chat.
This has been instrumental in creating connection in community and sharing the burden of mental health with others. This voluntary service also helps people connect with the professional supports they need.
“There are significant gaps in mental health care – from acute care to early intervention,” Ms Leonard said.
“The system is failing our community – we face higher rates of mental health issues and suicides in regional and rural areas, yet we lack the supports that are available in city areas.”
Currently, individuals with an acute mental health episode in Bass Coast must be transported to Traralgon for treatment.
The situation is even more dire for those not severe enough for immediate intervention but still in need of help.
“The system does not cater for those that are on the edge but not in a serious enough state for acute care,” Ms Leonard said.
Ms Leonard has spoken with people who have attempted to seek help at early stages, but the closest prevention and recovery program is in Bairnsdale. This is often out of reach for those struggling, which can compound their condition and may lead to far more serious consequences.
Donna urges those experiencing mental health issues to speak up.
“If you’re uncomfortable, reach out to me – I can connect you with help. It’s what Daniel would have wanted.”
Services need to be free Donna says, as financial pressures cause situational stress and should not be a factor for people getting the help they need.
Ms Leonard said she has seen the trauma caused to people and families in the community from mental health and suicide, both personally and through her work as a lawyer.
“If elected, I will fight to get us the mental health services and funding for people in our region, to enable early intervention measures and prevent further suicides,” she vowed.
“We need to be able to provide these services at no cost and have them easily accessible – it makes sense to invest in the health of our community.”
