Australia Post staff are among those wearing bright, bold socks as part of a Youth Focus suicide awareness campaign launched today.
Australia Post staff are among those wearing bright, bold socks as part of a Youth Focus suicide awareness campaign launched today.
The Sock it to Suicide initiative is helping raise awareness on World Suicide Prevention Day about the serious impacts of youth suicide in a way that it hopes will resonate with young Australians.
Youth Focus has gifted more than 200 'Smiley Socks' to Australia Post staff at the Perth Airport and Welshpool delivery centres to be worn by dozens of posties and delivery drivers.
The socks were sold in Transit Clothing stores last year to help raise funds for Youth Focus counselling, mental health support and suicide prevention services.
Youth Focus said research shows suicide to be the biggest killer of young Australians, with 25 attempts made for every suicide.
The Burswood-based charity also expressed concern over the number of young Western Australians taking their lives, with latest statistics showing 51 people aged between 15 and 24 took their lives in 2017.
Youth Focus chief executive Arthur Papakotsias said the campaign would create an opportunity for community members to start important conversations about mental health.
“We are encouraging the community to get behind our Sock it to Suicide campaign on World Suicide Prevention Day and wear colourful, flamboyant socks as a statement to the youth suicide prevention cause,” he said.
“As a community, we all have a role to play to ensure more young lives are not lost to suicide.
“We hope it will encourage more young people to start important conversations if they are facing mental health challenges and need support.”
Mr Papakotsias also thanked Australia Post staff in helping raise awareness on the issue and the work of Youth Focus in providing mental health assistance to young Western Australians.
Australia Post operations manager at the Perth Airport delivery centre, Christopher Noel, said it was important for the company to promote mental health awareness.
“With more than 60 staff members involved across various parts of the organisation – from posties to drivers and post office staff – Australia Post is proud to support the Sock it to Suicide campaign,” he said.
Last financial year, Youth Focus provided free counselling and assessment services to more than 4,500 young Western Australians, as well as school and community education to 6,800 people.
If you or someone you know needs urgent support please contact the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
