The initiative by White Wreath Association Inc - Action Against Suicide encourages people to wear brightly coloured socks to their workplace or school to help combat the high suicide rate.

Organiser and School-based nurse Retha De Beer said in Australia this affects people ranging in age from 15-44.

“Suicide is the highest death rate for that age group, and a lot of it can be avoided,” Ms De Beer said.

“Sock It To Suicide is about awareness, so we need to open up and speak. We need to ask people if they are okay and to have the conversation to see if we can help.”

Headspace Community Youth and Engagement Officer Margaret Tautiepa said they were on campus to support the students with a barbeque and to engage with them.

“We will be promoting our seven healthy tips and awareness about mental health,” Ms Tautiepa said.

North West Hospital and Health Service, Child and Youth Mental Health Officer Lianne Fulcher said they were invited to the school to prepare the students with tips on who to go to with their issues.

“We have games to play, brochures to hand out and important phone numbers to pass on if they need them.”

NWHHS also focused on how stories can spread and change over time.

“We talked about the support people should have in their lives like who is it they would turn to, friends or family.”

Mental Health week and Sock it to Suicide are initiatives that help members of the community to keep a healthy mind and support one another.

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