Suicide Prevention Network
The SOS Copper Coast Suicide Prevention Network Inc. was established on 31 October 2016 in response to the increasing frequency of suicides in the region.
In the lead up and with the support of the Copper Coast Council, several working party meetings and a community forum were conducted which served to highlight the need for the new Incorporation. Subsequently a Constitution was developed, and an Executive Committee was elected at the group’s inaugural annual general meeting on 2 November 2016.
We are a small group of local volunteers who meet monthly in Kadina, at the Copper Coast Youth Centre in Hallett Street (behind Gulf FM).
Our core activities include distributing SOS materials and publicly promoting support suicide prevention and mental health programs via local and social media, forums, guest speaker engagements; manning information stands at local events; fund raising and implementing volunteer training activities (including Lifeline and counselling courses); liaising and advocating with tiers of government and stakeholders for additional support and participating in regional consultations; and managing the new Copper Coast Youth Centre, including volunteer rosters.
At the 2018 Annual General Meeting on 20 November in Kadina, all SOS Copper Coast Suicide Network Prevention Executive members were re-elected for another year:
Other committee members are:
Special guests at the 2018 annual general meeting were local council and community representatives, and the Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention the Hon. John Dawkins MLC.
Mr Dawkins acknowledged the hard work and achievements of SOS Copper Coast over a productive year, in particular the commitment of the group’s Chairperson David Boots and Secretary Gerry Guerin.
He was also pleased to present Certificates of Achievement to SOS members Malcolm Millard and Pam Jones, for their significant support of the group’s activities.
All members enjoyed a follow up Christmas “Thank you” celebration on 19 December 2018, which provided an opportunity for networking and for SOSCC to thank all volunteers for making the year so successful.
New members are always welcome, as are volunteers to assist supervise youth attending the Copper Coast Youth Centre.
Anyone interested in joining the group is invited to contact SOSCC via email soscoppercoast@gmail.com, via mobile 0418 857 017 (Secretary Gerry Guerin) or visit our Facebook page.
SOS Copper Coast Suicide Prevention Network members at a May 2017 meeting. From left: Enid Yuill, Linda Forsyth, Andrea Hood, Peter Sims, Lyn Fullgrabe, Gerry Guerin, Jarrod Schmitke (Acting Regional manager Mental Health Yorke & Northern Region), Deputy Chair Chris Walsh, Malcolm Millard, Carlos Hernandez, and Chairperson David Boots.
Chairperson David Boots (right) at the official opening of the Copper Coast Youth Centre in November 2018 with then Mayor of Copper Coast Council Paul Thomas AM.
SOS Copper Coast SPN Deputy Chair Chris Walsh and SOS member Malcolm Millard in the Youth Centre’s new kitchen
Mr Dawkins MLC presents SOS Copper Coast Network member Malcolm Millard with a Certificate of Appreciation for his significant service to the cause during the year, watched by Chair David Boots.
SOS Copper Coast Chairperson David Boots (second, right) with special guests at the AGM (l-r) Hon. John Dawkins MLC, former Mayor Paul Thomas AM and Mayor of Copper Coast Council Roslyn Talbot.
SOS Copper Coast committee members with mental health advocate Wayne Schwass. From left: David Boots, Lyn Fullgrabe, Wayne, Chris Walsh, Gerry Guerin, Rosemary Cock and Enid Yuill
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