Help is always available. That’s the message 18-year-old Stacey Pieper wants to spread.
And this month, following World Suicide Prevention Day, the Catholic Regional College Melton student is doing just that.
As part of her studies, Stacey organised a Sing for Charity event at the school to help raise money for depression support group beyondblue, and to raise awareness of suicide prevention.
“It’s something that affects people every single day and I know a lot of people try to avoid talking about it,” she said.
“I wanted to bring it up and raise awareness in our school and our community.”
Stacey’s passion for singing and wanting to help a cause took centre stage at her event, which helped raise more than $400 for beyondblue.
As part of the fund-raiser, students at her school were invited to showcase their singing talents in a non-judgemental arena.
“I wanted people to know we’re here to help and that we have help at our school, like our counsellors,” Stacey said.
“Our year 12 student leaders are here, too, if they’re not comfortable talking to counsellors.”
Everyone who attended the charity event received showbags that Stacey had put
together. They included beyondblue information packs on bullying, suicide prevention, depression and anxiety, and a list of helpline contact numbers.
Stacey said she knew first hand what it was like to be bullied and feel depressed, and she wanted to help others overcome it.
If you need to talk, beyondblue is on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1300 22 4636.
