Why I swim
I’m swimming this March because too many young lives are lost to suicide. Every lap I swim will help make sure there’s a safe place for young people to turn when life feels overwhelming.
I'm swimming to save lives
I wish services like this existed when I was growing up gay on a Tasmanian farm.
For much of my youth, I struggled with mental health. Finding your place in a world where you didn’t see anyone who looked or loved like you was more than a little bumpy.
More than 1 in 3 young Australians experience mental health difficulties, yet over a million aren’t getting the support they need (ABS, 2022).
Young people in regional and remote areas face even greater challenges, with suicide rates two to three times higher than in metropolitan areas and limited access to mental health services (AIHW, 2023).
For LGBTIQ+ youth, the risk is even more severe:
- They are five times more likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers.
- Gender-diverse young people (14–25) are up to 15 times more likely to attempt suicide (Writing Themselves In 4, 2019).
ReachOut provides anonymous, free and 100% online services so young people can find a safe place to connect, share, and get help when life feels overwhelming.
I’m taking part in Laps for Life to make sure these vital services are always there.
This is the 4th year my mates and I have participated in this fundraiser.
So lets get wet for a good cause.
My Swim Progress
Completed
0.00km (0 laps)
My goal
10km
My Impact
So far I’ve raised $39 to provided 9.8375 young people experiencing mental health difficulties with vital support.
Top Donation
$39
Alex West
Shoutout to Alex West – my biggest supporter so far with a $39 donation to help young people get the mental health support they need through ReachOut!
Funds Raised
Note: displays max previous 3 years of fundraising only
Thank you to my
supporters
$39.35
Alex West
