HAVING a “big interest in breaking the stigma of mental health” has led Edgewater resident Wayne Adams to find different ways to fundraise.
This included the event Family and Friends Edgewater Fundraising for LIVIN where Mr Adams invited 50 guests to his home for an auction, with the main prize a home dinner party for six people donated by former My Kitchen Rules contestant Jordan Bruno.
Mr Adams said he was inspired to hold the event after seeing a video made by Sam Williams reaching out to his schoolmates and other young people saying “its good to talk”.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“Until this day I had no connections with the Williams family except of reading of the success of Sam’s older brother Calan Williams – a Formula 3 driver and also a young man from Edgewater,” Mr Adams said.
“The way Sam articulated himself impressed me so much so I decided my next fundraising event would be for LIVIN.”
The event raised $1700, which LIVIN Perth operations coordinator Michelle Goff said would send a facilitator into two schools to deliver its LIVINWELL program.
“We offer the program complimentary to schools and community groups and can continue to do this through fundraising initiatives,” she said.
Mr Adams said the number of deaths by suicide in young Australians was the highest it has been in 10 years.
“Stigma and embarrassment remain a significant barrier to getting help,” he said.
“LIVIN believes that knowledge heals, informs and defeats ignorance and stigma every time.”
Mr Adams has also previously helped to raised more than $8000 for Beyond Blue.