SOS Copper Coast

08/09/2026

RU OK? September 10th

08/09/2026

The Big 5 for Mental Health

Across all of our Australian and international studies, these are the five activities that we kept pinpointing as being the most important ingredients for good mental health.

08/09/2026

World Su***de Prevention Day 3
Protective and risk factors for su***de
Su***de is rarely caused by a single circumstance or event, it arises from a complex and personal interaction between many vulnerabilities, risk factors and triggers in a person’s life at a particular point in time. While risk factors can provide important information about lifetime risk for su***de, they are not as helpful for predicting when a person will engage in su***de related behaviour or die by su***de.
Su***de can also be influenced by social and economic circumstances and differences between cultures and individual’s experiences. Enablers of su***de prevention span all aspects of where people live, work, learn and socialise. Equally there are many factors at individual, relationship, community, and societal levels that can support and protect people from thoughts of su***de to the reduce risk for su***de.
What su***de prevention looks like

• Respecting people as individuals.
• Building stronger communities.
• Building community capacity.
• Strengthening services.
and
• Compassionate connection to community supports and health services.
• Healthy workplaces and employment opportunities.
• Coordinated postvention and su***de attempt aftercare.
• Secure housing and safe neighbourhoods.
• Social connection, celebrating diversity and inclusion.
• Respecting First Nations’ wisdom.
• Community connection through community centres, youth spaces and libraries.
• Access to transport and getting where we want to go.
• Learning from lived experience wisdom.
• Skill building, education and training programs in community.
• Welcoming open spaces, parks and community places for people to gather.
• Responding compassionately to distress.
• Responsible reporting and messaging that challenges su***de taboos.
• Opportunities for community participation and volunteering.
• Community events that bring people together.
• Planning and policies that create healthy and safe environments.

08/09/2026

World Su***de Prevention Day 2

Principles
Principles are values that guide behaviour and create a shared understanding about what is important.
• People come first and are treated kindly
A person centred approach ensures the focus is on what matters to the person and people experience kindness and compassion in their interactions with government, service providers and community.
• Aboriginal cultural wellbeing is acknowledged, integrated and respected
Aboriginal people have autonomy over actions effected in relation to su***de prevention and the promotion of cultural wellbeing.
• Everyone has a role to play
Su***de prevention is a shared responsibility across all levels of government, the private and not for profit sectors, education and research institutions, alongside communities, lived experience wisdom and individuals.
• Communities are empowered
Su***de prevention strategies and actions are co designed in partnership with people with lived experience of su***de related distress, communities and stakeholders, leading to empowered communities, shared ownership and strategies that meet needs.
• Practices, programs and reporting do no harm
Strategies and actions that aim to reduce su***de and su***de related distress, along with reporting of su***de do not harm people or worsen their distress.
• Diversity and inclusion are valued and respected
Strategies and actions to reduce su***de and su***de related distress are inclusive of diverse understandings, value and respond to different aspects of a person’s identity.

Principles are values that guide behaviour and create a shared understanding about what is important.
• People come first and are treated kindly
A person centred approach ensures the focus is on what matters to the person and people experience kindness and compassion in their interactions with government, service providers and community.
• Aboriginal cultural wellbeing is acknowledged, integrated and respected
Aboriginal people have autonomy over actions effected in relation to su***de prevention and the promotion of cultural wellbeing.
• Everyone has a role to play
Su***de prevention is a shared responsibility across all levels of government, the private and not for profit sectors, education and research institutions, alongside communities, lived experience wisdom and individuals.
• Communities are empowered
Su***de prevention strategies and actions are co designed in partnership with people with lived experience of su***de related distress, communities and stakeholders, leading to empowered communities, shared ownership and strategies that meet needs.
• Practices, programs and reporting do no harm
Strategies and actions that aim to reduce su***de and su***de related distress, along with reporting of su***de do not harm people or worsen their distress.
• Diversity and inclusion are valued and respected
Strategies and actions to reduce su***de and su***de related distress are inclusive of diverse understandings, value and respond to different aspects of a person’s identity.

08/09/2026

World Su***de Prevention Day
Every year on 10 September, communities, organisations and governments across Australia and around the globe come together to mark World Su***de Prevention Day.
It is a time to reflect, connect, and continue our shared commitment to preventing su***de and promoting hope.
Led by the International Association for Su***de Prevention (IASP), this year’s theme, ‘Changing the Narrative on Su***de’, challenges us to transform how we think and talk about su***de.
It’s a call to shift from silence and stigma to openness, empathy and action, to ensure people in distress feel heard, supported, and connected. Together, we can help create a future where more lives are saved and more stories are shared.
In Australia, more than 3,300 people die by su***de every year — around nine people every single day.
Su***de remains the leading cause of death among people aged 15–44.
These are not just numbers. Behind every number is a person, a friend, a colleague, a community with a story to share.

14/09/2024

It is with sadness that we mourn the passing of our founding Chair, David Boots. He, along with a small group of dedicated people, oversaw the setting up of SOS Copper Coast SPN. We are indebted for his contribution.
Rest in Peace, David.

Gerry Guerin
Secretary

18/12/2023

MEN CARE TOO – Update #300

BE INFORMED
Ask more questions and learn what you can so that, if needed, you are better prepared for difficult times or stressful situations.

GET CONNECTED
Volunteer some of your time, join a social club or sporting organisation
and belong to something meaningful in your community.

STAY ACTIVE
Move more, get outside in the fresh air for your daily dose of physical activity in whatever way works best for you.

11/12/2023

MEN CARE TOO – Update #299
CHALLENGE YOURSELF
“I miss being part of the team" says three-time World Rugby player of the year Richie McCaw. Often when our lives change, retirement, injury or taking on a carer role, the loss of existing social connections can hit hard. Finding a healthy way to build new supports and develop goals is critical.

THINK F.A.S.T
"Stroke is like having the floor ripped out from under you. I had to learn everything again, to walk, to talk and do everyday activities." Merchant Seaman Glenn woke up one morning with a pain in his jaw which turned out to be the start of almost 3 months in hospital and rehab.

ACTIVE AND STRONG
As we age, the extra kilos can slowly add up around the waistline with factors such as hormones and the way our bodies store fat as we get older means that shaking them off can be a lot harder. Harder but not

04/12/2023

MEN CARE TOO - Update #298
MUSICAL MESSAGE
Speaking about their latest single 'Leave a light on', Papa Roach frontman Jacoby Shaddix said "There's a message of hope in there that people are connecting with." The song encourages people to be there to support when someone else is struggling.

BODY ISSUES
A recent article suggests research on eating disorders and body issues for men is about 20 years behind what it is for women. Underreporting, stigma and other factors often prevent the 250k Aussie men living with a condition from seeking help.

HEALTHY HABITS
Be prepared, don't go too hard and make it fun are some exercise tips from Aaron Robinson. Regularly waking around 3am to run a marathon distance before work each day, Aaron say's he is no expert but what works for him might help motivate others.