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Mobile ad business donates to help life’s bumps in the road

A novel mobile advertising business has joined the suicide prevention crusade by pledging vital funds for Youth Focus counselling and mental health support services.

Ads on Wheels will donate $2 a month to Youth Focus for each driver they have on the road. Currently, there are 134 active Ads on Wheels drivers in Perth.

Launched in February, the North Fremantle-based business uses an innovative advertising concept and pays drivers to display advertisements on the back windows of their vehicles. The mobile billboard-style of advertising can be targeted to geographical locations and specific demographics.

Ads on Wheels director Michael Palmer said the business was proud to support the important work of Youth Focus to help improve youth wellbeing and mental health in WA.

“Mental health has been something that has hit home for me personally. I have been through my own battles, and have lost friends to suicide as well,” Mr Palmer said.

“We know that mental health issues do not discriminate.

“That is why we have been driven to contribute to Youth Focus by pledging monthly donations; and by actively spreading awareness about the organisation’s specialist services that help young people.”

Mr Palmer said the number of Ads on Wheels drivers was constantly growing and expected there to be 200 drivers in Perth by the end of the financial year.

Youth Focus Chief Executive Officer Arthur Papakotsias welcomed the partnership, saying Youth Focus supporters were instrumental in helping the organisation continue its mission to prevent youth suicide and provide mental health services to young people.

“We are incredibly grateful to Michael and the team at Ads on Wheels for their support and generosity,” Mr Papakotsias said.

“Without this sort of commitment, Youth Focus would not be able to provide as many young people in WA with counselling services and suicide prevention in schools.”

Suicide is the biggest killer of young Australians, with latest statistics showing 51 young people aged between 15 and 24 took their own lives in WA in 2017. For every suicide, another 20 people attempt to take their own lives.

Last financial year, Youth Focus supported a record number of young people in WA, providing free counselling and assessment services to 3678 youths and school and community education to another 6000 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.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Nicole Cox – 0419 941 443
[email protected]