7 June 2011

Depression support group Headspace has teamed up with action-sports clothing brand, Unit, in an attempt to combat Australia’s high rates of youth suicide.

Still considered taboo amongst the media and general public, Unit Founder and Creative Director Paul Everest hopes the joint-campaign will help encourage young people to talk about their feelings, before things get out of control.

“Research shows that talking to someone about how you’re feeling dramatically reduces the risk of suicide,” says Mr Everest.

“But a lot of young people feel scared or embarrassed about having suicidal thoughts - perhaps if the public and the media spoke about the issue more openly, they’d feel more comfortable talking about their feelings.”

With suicide causing more Australian deaths than road accidents annually and accounting for more than 24 per cent of all deaths for 20-24 year olds, it’s an issue worth talking about, Everest said.

The campaign – Ride To Live - includes the sale of wristbands (all profits are being donated to Headspace) and a series of advertisements, all designed to bring the issue out into the open.

“We know that encouraging young people to seek help at an early stage can have a dramatic effect on the prevention of future mental health problems,” says Headspace General Manager Amelia Callaghan.

Ms Callagnhan said Headspace and Unit were a perfect fit, with the Australian clothing brand speaking directly to at-risk groups.

“Headspace and Unit encourage young people to be healthy and active,” she said.

“Unit promotes a positive lifestyle and supports young people who use BMX and motocross as a way of expressing themselves.

“Sports provide an outlet from some of the stressful times and emotions that young people may experience.

“The story of Unit’s beginnings is also inspiring to young people - two young men from the Gold Coast can start a business with $600, can persevere despite difficult times, turning the business into the multimillion dollar success that it is today.”

For Everest, it’s also personal.

“Like a lot of teenagers, I experienced some dark times during school,” said Everest.

“Riding BMX was a healthy escape from those experiences.

“Having that positive outlet helped me to keep things in perspective and get through a difficult time.”

WHO IS HEADSPACE?
Headspace centres offers health advice, support and information for young people (12-25 years), relating to mental health, physical health, education, work and drug and alcohol concerns. The centres are staffed by GPs, Allied Health, mental health, youth workers and drug and alcohol workers who have specific expertise in working with young people headspace services are low cost or free. Since opening our doors, 45,000 young people have accessed Headspace services.

WHO IS UNIT?
Unit is one of the world’s fastest growing action sports brands, producing men’s and women’s apparel and accessories. Started in a Gold Coast garage by brothers Paul and Ian Everest, Unit is now a global enterprise with more than 80 staff.

ENDS

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