Miss Galaxy Contestant Elise Nazzari urges Perth to support youth suicide prevention
The statistics are profound.
In Western Australia, suicide takes the life of around one person every day.
For every suicide in WA, there are approximately 20 suicide attempts. And suicide has now become the leading cause of unexpected deaths amongst WA’s youth, outranking car accidents and illnesses.
Suicide is preventable, it is unnecessary, and if we work together, we can save lives.
Youth Focus WA is an independent, not-for-profit organisation working to stop youth suicide.
Through the provision of free, unlimited and professional face-to-face counselling and other mental health services, Youth Focus works with young people to overcome issues associated with depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
It’s an important cause, and one that is very close to the heart of Miss Burswood Galaxy 2016, Elise Nazzari, who has chosen to support Youth Focus as part of her fundraising commitments as a Miss Galaxy Australia State Finalist.
“After suffering from depression from the age of 14, I see the real need for mental health support services, particularly for young people, to be supported both financially and through raising awareness” Miss Nazzari explained.
“A lot of people who suffer with mental health issues often don’t have the support they need around them. I don’t want the kind of isolation that I, and many other people I know experienced, to be experienced by others, and the best hope in doing that is helping support services such as Youth Focus, grow their ability to reach as many people as possible.”
Elise has joined forces with local Burswood bar and restaurant, STIX Bar, to host a fundraising lunch on Sunday 29th November to raise money and awareness for Youth Focus. The Head Chef at STIX has created a three-course menu especially for the event, and Elise has secured local Perth labels Poppy and Charlie, and Amie Churack Designs to showcase their latest designs for an exclusive fashion show during the event.
Guests will also be treated to sparkling wine on arrival, guest speakers from Youth Focus, lots of prizes up for grabs, and the opportunity to have their photo taken in front of a beautiful flower wall, kindly donated by Beautiful Backdrops.
Lunching for Life
Sunday 29th November, 12pm.
Tickets – $70, purchase at https://tickets.myguestlist.com.au/v2563b200d4a8b4/lunching-for-life/evs563b200d4cec2/
To find out more about Youth Focus WA, and the vital work they do, visit their website – http://youthfocus.com.au/
Youth Focus WA information video
If you or someone you know needs help, visit onelifewa.com.au or contact one of the below agencies:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467
– by Megan Gillies
