Youth Focus has unveiled its dynamic, approachable new identity in a bid to better engage and connect with young people, amid statistics that show suicide is the leading cause of death in young people in Western Australia.
The brand launch comes as Youth Focus thanked the important contributions of its supporters who help turn the tide on youth suicide, announcing the winners of the 2017 Make A Difference Awards on Wednesday night.
“Youth Focus is excited to enter its next stage with an engaging new identity that resonates more strongly with young people,” Youth Focus Chief Executive Officer Fiona Kalaf said.
“This brand has been developed off the back of considerable research and in consultation with young people. As such, it’s a reflection of the safe space Youth Focus provides for young people to learn and grow.”
In announcing the organisation’s annual Progress Report 2016/17 at the event, Ms Kalaf said Youth Focus remained steadfast in its aim to reduce youth suicide.
“Our latest Progress Report shows Youth Focus in a strong position financially and well positioned to continue our tireless work to reduce youth suicide,” she said.
“Last financial year, Youth Focus’s revenue grew 3 per cent, reflecting a growth in donations from a range of fundraising events including our iconic Hawaiian Ride for Youth and Night of Nights Ball driven by Audi.
“Our financial surplus of $600,000 will allow Youth Focus to take on a range of new initiatives and improve efficiencies as we work towards our Strategic Plan 2017-2020.”
In WA last year, 54 young people aged between 15 and 24 took their own lives. “Despite WA’s suicide rate dropping last year, suicide remains the leading cause of death for children aged between five and 17 and young adults aged from 18 to 25,” Ms Kalaf said.
“Each week, we lose at least one young person in WA to suicide. The ripple effect in the community is profound, and, as a consequence at least one family a week is forced to deal with the abject grief, guilt and pain of losing a loved one unnecessarily.”
Ms Kalaf said Youth Focus supporters, including this year’s Make A Difference Award winners, were “invaluable” in helping the organisation continue its important work.
“These people are the unsung heroes who day in, day out devote their time to helping young people and Youth Focus, whether it be by raising money, organising fundraising ventures, mentoring young people or helping to share awareness about the massive social issue of suicide,” Ms Kalaf said.
“We value greatly the vast number of Youth Focus supporters who selflessly give up their time and energy to benefit the lives of young people in our community.
“These contributions make positive differences to young people’s lives and have a meaningful impact on our community.”
The annual Make A Difference Awards are presented to individuals and organisations who have displayed drive and compassion in their support for the important work of Youth Focus.
Eight awards were presented to worthy recipients from all walks of life at a special presentation ceremony at Fraser’s, Kings Park.
In the year to June 30, 2017, Youth Focus supported 2872 young people through free, unlimited counselling services and school outreach programs.
In addition, Youth Focus engaged with more than 6000 people through school and workplace sessions, teaching vital skills and the confidence to talk openly about mental health issues and encourage people to seek help for themselves and others.