Mt Compass Hotel publicans Rick and Lois Prest are the first publicans to have signed up to the The Pub Whisperer Support Over Suicide program as they feel there is a need in the community, now more than ever, to assist people doing it tough with the specialised training.
“Since COVID I have noticed a shift with many people,” says Mr Prest. “We’ve been here 6 and a ½ years and many conversations involve discussions around anxiety within the community. It’s just something we’ve observed as publicans. “Given the reality of mortgage and rental increases, society is experiencing financial stress.” “A few months ago a young lad in the area suicided. He wasn’t a regular patron but he was part of the crew. Unfortunately he left a young child behind. Which has saddened the community.” Statistics show that for every one person who suicides 100 people in the community or more are affected. Further research has found that of the 9 people who suicide every day in Australia, up to 69% have alcohol in their system and 10% have a gambling problem. Seven of those nine people are men. “Pubs are part of the community and having a gamble on the pokies or having a drink can actually be dangerous when done to excess,” adds Mr Prest. “By doing The Pub Whisperer program we want to be in a position where people are safe if they choose to do that in excess and are not thinking clearly.” “Pubs are the hubs of the community,” says The Pub Whisperer founder Jono Hart. “They’re the heart and soul of small towns and where people meet to engage with their mates.” “In many ways bar and gaming staff are on the frontline to help people get the support they need. This is where the training will help.” Mr Hart’s idea for The Pub Whisperer came about during the start of COVID in 2020, after already travelling Australia in 2017 filming some iconic Aussie Pubs and creating this website to celebrate those pubs that care for their community. A survivor of mental health issues himself, Jono created the Suicide Prevention Checklist for Publicans, which is available as a free to download from his website, and also two Pubs Supporting People Days, which pushed tables together to remind people of the importance of community during the pandemic. “Great people make great pubs”, says Jono. “And what is the No.1 leadership trait in these times? Kindness. “Pubs are on the frontline of mental health issues in the community and knowing how to respond to people doing it tough and not in a good place is really important, for everyone.” “Some people don’t have a mate to confide in and so where do they go to feel included? The pub. If publicans can get their vulnerable patrons to a place of safety so that they replace their thoughts of suicide with ones of hope then they can feel like they are doing their community proud.” “Our training is about providing quiet conversations that can prevent silent deaths. Often these are TRICKY conversations: an acronym for Trusted, Respected, Integrity, Confidentiality, Kindness and Your good self. Which is everything a Pub Whisperer needs to be.” The Pub Whisperer Support Over Suicide online course is due to be released shortly, with pubs coming on board receiving subscription to the Great Aussie Pubs and The Pub Whisperer websites as well as promotional material including coasters, posters, stickers and caps. Rotary McLaren Vale President Briony Casburn says The Pub Whisperer is an initiative which has the power to save lives. “It’s a ripple effect,” she says. “It saves families. It saves the community. And Rotary is all about community.”
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AuthorJono Hart is an award-winning print journalist, host, radio announcer and speaker. Archives
September 2023
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