Suicide is a national crisis & is taking the lives of over 3000 young people between the age of 12-25 every year nationally. These young people become victims of peer pressure, bullying, unemployment, relationship breakups & just feel general failure. Unfortunately these figures are on a rapid increase.

In the past 12 months in the Clarence Valley, 20 + young men & women have committed suicide, devastating their family & friends. Just before xmas young Emma Powell, became a statistic, unfortunately 4 days after Emma’s disappearance she was found deceased at a reserve in Yamba. Knowing the family very well, being both a customer & we all played hockey together, has prompted us to try & make a difference. Fundraising for both local & national charities is the least we can do & with Sharni being an ambassador for the valley for the next 12 months as Jacaranda Queen, hopefully we can see a rapid decline in this devastating illness.

Below in the 2 charities selected Headspace & Cranes.

Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds, along with assistance in promoting young peoples’ wellbeing. This covers four core areas: mental health, physical health, work and study support and alcohol and other drug services.

Information and services for young people, their families and friends as well as health professionals can be accessed through this website, headspace centres, online counselling service eheadspace, the Digital Work and Study Service and postvention suicide support program headspace School Support.

One in four young people have experienced a mental health issue in the past 12 months – a higher prevalence than all other age groups. Alarmingly, suicide is the leading cause of death of young people, accounting for one third of all deaths.

Research shows that 75 per cent of mental health issues emerge before the age of 25. 1 in 4 young people have some form of mental health issue, this could be closer to your family than you expect. By treating these issues early and providing a holistic model of support, the risk of them developing into more serious problems is greatly decreased.

CRANES Promoting Freedom of choice for individuals and communities

CRANES Community Support Programs is a not-for-profit community based organisation that assists in the identification and analysis of community needs. We are committed to developing and delivering exemplary services by promoting quality life choices in a supportive community environment.

Cranes are working closely with the Clarence Valley Community to set up a local headspace service, as currently the closest service is over an hour away in Coffs Harbour & Lismore.

Since 1991 CRANES Community Support Programs has supported people with a Mental Health diagnosis with their personal journeys towards recovery by assisting people to access the internal resources (i.e. Hope, resilience, self-acceptance) they need that will support their recovery.

We at CRANES Mental Health Support Service understand the individual suffering, limitations, and needs of people living with a mental illness, always keeping a hopeful attitude and a profound belief in the possibility of change towards successful community living.
 
Thanks for your support

Cheers

Annette & Sharni