Jessie Cole's survival story

What this episode covers

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 To binge even more great episodes of the ‘Conversations podcast’ with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, singers, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.