A surfing event will be held at Dee Why Beach on Sunday 30 April to raise funds and awareness for Lifeline Northern Beaches.

The Lifeline Classic will involve fundraising teams, each with a pro surfer, who will compete in a tag-team format.

The CEO of Lifeline Northern Beaches, David Thomas, said suicide is our national emergency.

“We have more than a problem on our hands," Mr Thomas said. “When you look at the statistics, the biggest killer of 25 - 44 year olds is suicide. It’s a crisis and the peninsula is no different - our community has felt the devastating effects of this far too often.” 

Thomas said the Lifeline Classic is a way of connecting with the community through one of our favourite pastimes with which the Northern Beaches are renowned for - surfing.

“Hopefully this is a way we can come together and help spread awareness that there ARE help options and opportunities available for those who are in difficulty, who are in crisis, and/or feel overwhelmed,” he said.

“We know that many just need someone to talk to. By talking about this more, we effectively reduce the negative stigma associated with talking and seeking help. In turn, we not only bring acceptance to the problem of communication but at the same time we help raise the urgency of our peers who may be in trouble.”

All funds raised from the Lifeline Classic will be used to provide crisis support services, which in turn help to aid in the quest of a Northern Beaches (and Australia) free of suicide.

To donate to a team, visit https://give.everydayhero.com/au/lifeline-northern-beaches-classic-1

Alongside the core 13 11 14 telephone crisis support service, Lifeline Northern Beaches offers a range of other services including face-to-face counselling, telephone support for the isolated and at risk, support groups, training and community visitor programs.

It costs Lifeline $27.96 for every call responded to. Every dollar raised at the Lifeline Classic will help save lives.

In Australia:

• almost eight people die by suicide every day
• more than seven suicide attempts occur every hour
• 65,300 suicide attempts each year
• men represent three-quarters of suicide deaths
• suicide is the most common cause of death for the 15 – 44 age bracket        

To become involved with the Lifeline Classic please contact:

Jo Lynas
T (02) 9949 5522
M 0415 901 361    
E jo@lynasevents.com.au
W www.lifelinenb.org.au