Suicide Prevention Network
Main Photo: 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.
The annual general meeting of the SOS Copper Coast Suicide Prevention Network Inc. was held on 20 November at the Copper Coast Youth Centre in Kadina, and was attended by local council and community representatives and special guest Hon. John Dawkins MLC, the Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention.
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.
Mr Dawkins recognised that successful suicide prevention networks around the State are those well supported by Local Government, and noted the presence at the AGM of new Mayor of Copper Coast Council Roslyn Talbot and past Mayor Paul Thomas AM.
All of the group’s Executive members were re-elected for another year: Chairperson David Boots, Deputy Chairperson Chris Walsh, Secretary Gerry Guerin, Treasurer Enid Yuill and Media Liaison Officer Rosemary Cock.
Highlights of the annual report presented by Mr Boots included the development and opening of the new Kadina Youth Centre at Hallett Street, which has been well received by the community and the increasing numbers of youth enjoying its facilities; effective distribution of SOS materials and public promotion of support programs via local media, forums, guest speaker engagements, stands at events, and on social media platforms; the organisation and funding of volunteer training activities including Lifeline and counselling courses; involvement in regional, State and National consultations and network conferences; and sourcing and acquittal of various grants received, predominantly in support of youth centre activity, the major project in 2017-18.
The Youth Centre, complete with a fully fitted out new kitchen, was opened in September after 11 months of hard work by volunteers, a youth committee and support from community service groups and businesses.
Next year’s targets for SOS Copper Coast members include the launch of a new group website, increased community reach, improvements for inter-town transport networks for youth to attend the centre, the development of a Self Harm Awareness and Self Harm response training program, and redevelopment of the Youth Centre’s outside space.
