Leading Western Australian youth suicide prevention charity, Youth Focus, has been named a finalist in the esteemed Suicide Prevention Australia 2018 LiFE Awards.
The awards recognise the valuable contributions made to the suicide prevention cause.
Youth Focus has been shortlisted in the Communities Matter category, which identifies individuals and organisations that effect change in suicide prevention, often in a voluntary capacity and with limited resources.
The nomination acknowledges Youth Focus as a leader in youth mental health and suicide prevention since 1994; and its work delivering frontline services and education programs to help young people at-risk of suicide, depression, anxiety and self-harm.
Through free, professional counselling services, Youth Focus supported 2,872 young people in the 2016/2017 financial year.
In addition, the not-for-profit has pioneered a landmark web counselling platform to extend its reach to regional and remote areas with limited access to mental health support.
Youth Focus Chief Executive Officer Fiona Kalaf said: “This is great national recognition of the work we do to prevent youth suicide in our communities.”
“We would not be eligible for such a prestigious national award without the passion, dedication and commitment of Youth Focus staff who make invaluable contributions to the cause,” Ms Kalaf said.
“Through our counselling services, education programs and community initiatives, Youth Focus has gained momentum in the area of suicide prevention; and our engagement with a growing number of young people will inevitably save more young lives from suicide.”
Award winners will be announced at the Suicide Prevention Australia national conference in Adelaide on July 24.
MEDIA CONTACT: Nicole Cox – 0419 941 443, [email protected]