STARTING conversation By Liz Bell Photos Gary Sissons & Supplied
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INCE 22-year-old Ben Hocking tragically took his own life seven years ago, his sisters have thrown themselves into supporting others struggling with inner turmoil; and the loved ones and friends left behind by suicide.
We will continue to advocate, educate and work to keep people safe until we achieve our vision of an Australia free of suicide
As the Hocking family knows only too well, the deep and unforgiving feeling of emptiness that accompanies suicide of a loved one is relentless, leaving people with unanswerable questions in the murky quagmire of guilt, sadness and anger.
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10 | PENINSULA
One of Ben’s sisters, social worker Georgia Hocking, explains that by starting the conversation that 'It’s Okay, Not to Be Okay’, and reaching out to people experiencing difficulties, the sisters are on a three-part mission to reduce the stigma of depression and suicide, encourage people to seek support, and provide a lifeline for anyone needing help. The girls, who grew up in Somerville, know that suicide has a devastating and long-term impact on families, friends and whole communities, but they also believe that through targeted continued page 12...
November 2023