The HSPN has only been going for one year but already has the full support of the Young, Harden and Boorowa communities.

The aim of the HSPN is to reduce the risk and impact of suicide on communities and provide a forum to enable learning and collaboration with regard to suicide issues.

Secretary of HSPN, Sue Fenning, said it was clear there is a need for an organisation such as HSPN.

“The community is interested and I think they think we are doing the right thing,” said Mrs Fenning.

“The event was bigger than expected but it was fantastic to see,” she said.

Those who attended the dinner, held at Young Services Club, were treated to the story of former Young resident, Robert ‘Butch’ Young.

Mr Young has lived with schizophrenia for over 20 years and he believes by telling his story people won’t feel so alone.

“I was amazed how healing it can be to tell my story,” Mr Young said.

“In the past I was told never to tell anybody that I had schizophrenia and at the time I thought all was lost.

“Who would have thought the day would come when so many would wish to hear,” he said.

Mr Young is currently employed as a consumer advocate for Greater Southern Area Health and works to support others living with mental illness by empowering them to share in the knowledge that you can live a positive and fulfilling life with a mental illness.

After telling his story, the assembled guests gave a standing ovation and described him as an ‘inspirational person’.

Mr Young also took the opportunity to meet one of his ‘heroes’ – John Harper from Stockinbingal who has featured on many mental health education DVDs and also featured on the Channel Nine program ‘Random Acts of Kindness’.

Like Mr Young, Mr Harper also endured the pain associated with a mental illness and took the opportunity to address the crowd to share his story.

Both stories of strength, power and courage moved many to tears but both have recovered and are stronger than ever.

HSPN had over 140 people in attendance and raised funds towards mental health awareness.