Lifeline is proud to partner with Save Our Kids from Suicide (SOKS), an initiative of the Rotary Club of Gosford North that raises money to facilitate Suicide Prevention and Youth Enrichment programs on the Central Coast.
SOKs mission is to save and enhance the lives of young people on the NSW Central Coast.
Youth suicide is a significant issue on the Coast. SOKS fundraising facilitates Suicide Prevention programs delivered by Lifeline and sponsors talented youth on the Central Coast to undertake youth enrichment programs to empower themselves further.
How does SOKS work?
Coaches, umpires, physical education teachers, trainers, sports administrators, parents and others involved in facilitating sports and recreation activities are important gatekeepers to watch out for young sports people who may be experiencing mental health issues.
Lifeline delivers suicide awareness training in a three-phased approach. First, key figures from each club, code or secondary school are invited to attend a 2-day LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Workshop (ASIST), followed by groups of players and coaches attending LivingWorks safeTALK, a half-day suicide awareness program.
With a significant group of gatekeepers already trained, we bring together groups of young players to participate in Lifeline’s Mind Your Sports Mates, a 45-minute facilitated discussion.
Each level of training is targeted to different groups to ensure appropriate support and knowledge at each level, building a suicide-safe community within the club or school.
What is Lifeline’s role in SOKS?
Lifeline Hunter Central Coast facilitates the training programs for SOKS. Lifeline's Skills-for-Life Training provides life-long awareness and skills in how to recognise someone with suicidal thoughts, how to respond and how to keep that person safe, at least for now, and refer appropriately.
These discussions help de-stigmatise mental health problems and enable young sports people to recognise some signs and symptoms of a mental health issue. One of the most critical factors in addressing mental health problems is being able to reach out for help. Within the frame of ‘minding your sports mates’, this can be made easier with support from the people around you.
As a club, as a group of dedicated members of our Central Coast communities, we have made - and are continuing to make - a difference to peoples lives.
If you would like to know how you can help support SOKS and make real change in the lives of young people on the Central Coast, please visit soks.org.au.
Become a SOKS Angel
Our corporate partners are exceptional members of organisations who are passionate about making a real difference in our community. We call them our SOKS Angels. Without their continued support, we could not carry on our vital work.
As a SOKS Angel, you will join an elite network of community-minded business leaders and organisations. We thank those who have helped over the past ten years and hope we can rely on your support to enable SOKS to continue its work. To find out more about becoming a SOKS Angel visit soks.org.au.
