Respected floral designer Matthew Landers has thrown his support behind the important work of Youth Focus in a budding partnership to raise awareness about youth mental health and suicide prevention.
Impacted personally by the loss of two close friends and a family member under the age of 25 to suicide, Landers said he had been spurred to contribute to the important work of Youth Focus.
Landers, who runs a floristry studio in East Victoria Park and showcases his artistic creations across the globe, has generously pledged to donate 5% of the sales of his new Khloris range to Youth Focus between October 12 and November 30.
Based on the novel concept of a floral designer handbag, Landers has created his environmentally friendly, biodegradable Khloris range, with a percentage of the sale price to be donated to local charities. Youth Focus is the first beneficiary of the new initiative.
The Khloris range is available in eight designs, named after famous destinations including New York, Singapore, Paris and Alice Springs.
Youth Focus Acting Chief Executive Officer Raj Thethy said Youth Focus supporters like Matthew Landers were invaluable in helping the organisation continue its important work to prevent youth suicide.
“We are extremely appreciative to people like Matthew Landers and his team for their commitment to youth mental health and suicide prevention in WA,” Mr Thethy said.
“Without this sort of generosity, we would not be able to provide as many young people in Western Australia with critical counselling services and suicide prevention education.
“At Youth Focus, we advocate the importance of starting conversations about mental health so we, as a community, can confidently support young people in need.
“If purchasing one Khloris arrangement starts a conversation about youth mental health, then we have made an impact.”
Last financial year, Youth Focus supported a record number of young people in WA, providing free counselling and assessment services to 3678 young people and school and community education to another 6000.
Suicide is the biggest killer of young Australians, with new 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.
In addition, one in four young Australians live with a mental health condition, with 75 per cent of mental illnesses first appearing in people under the age of 25.
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]