Sadly suicide is a huge issue in the Central West, where an estimated seven people take their lives every week according to Lifeline Central West executive director Alex Ferguson.

Research tells us that rates of suicide in country areas are 3.7 times higher than in urban areas and there’s an over-representation of Aboriginal people.

In reality there are very few of us whose lives haven’t been touched by the suicide of a friend, a family member or a colleague.

Events such as R U OK? Day and World Suicide Prevention Day are designed to help remove the stigma around suicide and put it firmly on the community’s agenda.

Of course much of the stigma that surrounds suicide also accompanies mental illness but unless we address these issues and look at ways to tackle them more of our loved ones will continue to end their own lives.

In the past high profile people such as Lance “Buddy” Franklin have spoken publicly about their battle with mental illness and in doing so prompted others to discuss their own battles.

After Tracy Hinton’s brother Jamie took his own life seven years ago she vowed to do all she could to support suicide, depression and anxiety awareness in the hope of preventing more deaths.

This Sunday Mrs Hinton will stage a suicide prevention walk at the Orange Botanic Gardens where people will be encouraged to talk about suicide and remember people who have died as a result.

Mrs Hinton is to be congratulated for doing her part to reach out to her community and try and make a difference.