SUPPORTER
SUMMER 2019
Living beyond suicide
Describing Tony as a ‘brilliant, smart and talented man’, Jude openly admits she had no idea what was to come. “Tony hid it very well and we had no idea,” she said. “The big question unfolding for my children is why, which can’t be answered.” Jude chose to pursue an open conversation with her children with the support of AnglicareSA’s Living Beyond Suicide program. Living Beyond Suicide is a free program providing practical and emotional support to families and individuals bereaved through suicide. Staff and specially trained volunteers offer home visits and telephone support. The service is available 10am to 10pm, seven days a week. Living Beyond Suicide also runs training and provides information for community groups and workplaces. This vital service is funded by the Adelaide Primary Health Network, an Australian Government initiative. Each year, the program hosts Walk Through the Darkness – an event giving hundreds of South Australians the opportunity to connect with each other, grieve and celebrate the lives of loved ones they have lost. Coinciding with International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day on November 17, around 100 people walked in pre-dawn darkness from West Beach and Tennyson to Henley Square for a memorial service. For support following the loss of a loved one to suicide, please call Living Beyond Suicide on 1300 76 11 93.
Three years after her husband’s suicide, Jude Murphy and her two children are continuing to bravely move forward with life. Jude has made it her intent to be open and optimistic following her husband Tony’s tragic death. “The way Tony died will be with us forever,” she said. “But life goes on – my children and I owe it to ourselves to live the best life possible.” Spotlight on Brompton Established in 2004, AnglicareSA Brompton is a residential aged care facility for disadvantaged frail aged residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Aged 50-80 years old, and typically younger than those in traditional aged care, the residents are often prematurely aged and are referred via the SA Department of Health’s Exceptional Needs Unit. AnglicareSA Brompton provides an opportunity for residents to experience home, sometimes for the very first time. Often there are no alternatives available to them. The 40-bed facility has almost 50 staff and one volunteer who tailor care to each individual. It is the only facility of its kind in South Australia. Care Manager, Shirley Essex said that coming to AnglicareSA Brompton is a big change for people. “For some of our clients it may be the first time they’ve had their own bed, let alone a room. Their personal possessions are often small and they may only have the clothes on their back,” Shirley said.
AnglicareSA Brompton Care Manager Shirley with resident Alan
Assistant care manager Corinne Shawcross said: “Our residents have complex needs – they’re a marginalised group who are really vulnerable and quite often have not had the safety or security of a front door for a long time.” Many of our residents do not have family contact and so they look to our staff for sharing special memories and occasions. “It’s all about the person, listening to their stories and trying to help improve their life quality,” Shirley said. AnglicareSA Brompton is currently undergoing an upgrade for the first time since it was opened. All rooms will be upgraded and the kitchen and lifestyle areas will also be renovated.
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