Jessie Cole's survival story

After two suicides changed her family forever, Jessie Cole returned to Northern NSW to begin again (CW: Suicide references)

Jessie grew up in Northern NSW in a rainforest house lovingly built by her parents. They had moved to the hills outside Byron Bay in the 1970s and believed they could remake the world.

Jessie’s father had two older daughters from a previous marriage, who visited from Sydney every school holidays.

By the time she was eighteen Jessie had lost both her half-sister Zoe, and her father to suicide.

Many people in her small community didn't know what to say to her about what had happened, so they avoided the family altogether.

Then in her early 20s, Jessie decided to return to the family home in the rainforest.

Further information

Staying is published by Text

Help and information are always available

Lifeline 13 11 14 24 hour counselling

SANE Australia - helpline, online, forums 1800 187 263

Beyondblue - telephone and online counselling 1300 22 4636

Suicide Call Back Service - 24 hours -1300 659 467

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