Transit Clothing is about to “sock it to” suicide, launching a range of fun, colourful socks to raise funds for Youth Focus counselling, mental health support and suicide prevention services.
Bright, bold and with an important youth mental health message, Smiley Socks are a joint initiative between the Perth-based clothing chain and Youth Focus.
Transit Clothing, which has 10 stores across Western Australia, will donate $1 from the sale of every pair of $7.95 Smiley Socks to Youth Focus.
Suicide is the biggest killer of young Australians, with latest statistics showing 54 young people aged between 15 and 24 took their own lives in Western Australia in 2016. 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.
Transit Clothing director Glen Francis said the company was happy to support the important work of Youth Focus to improve youth wellbeing and mental health in WA.
“We work with young people every day. They are our staff, our customers and our friends. That is why we are committed to helping to support the important work of Youth Focus,” Mr Francis said.
“Smiley Socks are as much about raising awareness about youth mental health as they are about raising money for Youth Focus in a fun way. This is about imploring young people to let a trusted friend or family member know if they are doing it tough. There is help out there.”
Smiley Socks are available in more than 12 different designs and are available at Transit Clothing stores now.
Youth Focus Chief Executive Officer Fiona Kalaf said Youth Focus supporters like Glen and Transit Clothing were invaluable in helping the organisation continue its important work to prevent youth suicide.
“We are incredibly grateful to people like Glen and the team at Transit Clothing for their and suicide prevention in Western Australia,” Ms Kalaf
“Without this sort of generosity, we would not be able to provide with critical counselling services and suicide prevention in schools.”