Counsellors on beach for Lifeline Northern Beaches Classic surf event

COUNSELLORS will patrol the beach during a Lifeline charity surf event later this month to offer support to anyone struggling with mental health issues.

David Thomas is the CEO for Lifeline. He is running a surf comp to raise funds and awareness of suicide prevention. David is pictured at Freshwater Beach.

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TRAINED counsellors will be at Dee Why Beach during a surf event organised by suicide prevention charity Lifeline.

At the inaugural competition last year several people affected by suicide or struggling with depression came to support the event.

David Thomas, from Northern Beaches Lifeline, said this year there would be at least one counsellor on the beach, alongside staff from headspace in Brookvale, which specialises in youth mental health.

The Lifeline Classic 2017 with celebrity surfers taking part at Dee Why Beach. Surfing Mums L-R: Vanessa Clyne, Audrey Hills, Samson Coulter (pro), Julia Brockhausen, Rachel Pavitt. Picture: Adam Ward

The Lifeline Northern Beaches Classic to be held on April 22 will see each team of four paired with a surfing legend. So, far 16 teams have signed up, including four women’s teams who will compete in a women’s division.

Every dollar raised will go towards saving lives.

Mr Thomas said the event was a way to reach out to young people on the peninsula, after the charity said there had been a rise in youths taking their own lives.

“We had a great response from young people last year,” he said.

“We hope this kind of event will help to spread the critical message that there are affordable, low-cost services and people that can help those who are struggling.”

Last year’s event was a success. White Horses L-R: Billy Bain, Timothy Deman, Shane Carroll (pro), Rob Bain (pro), Tyson Damp and Max Wetskin. Picture: Adam Ward

As well as the main surf competition there will also be Waves of Wellness, Black Dog Ride and Walk n Talk, hosted by former Sea Eagle Shannon Nevin, 42.

He started Walk n Talk in Manly after losing several rugby colleagues to suicide.

“I’ve lost a few friends to suicide and I really believe in connecting people with their community,” he said.

Shannon Nevin, a former Sea Eagle, runs Walk n Talk events to help people with mental health. He will be walking from Dee Why to Long Reef at this year’s Lifeline Classic. Picture: Jenny Evans.

Now he runs a weekly walk from Queenscliff to Shelly Beach on Sundays, and the idea has taken off in other parts of the country.

On April 22 Mr Nevin is encouraging people to walk with him at 10am along Dee Why Beach to Long Reef and back.

“What is exciting is that we are collaborating with other mental health charities to help raise awareness,” Mr Thomas said.

“This will be the biggest mental health event ever on the beaches.”

Alongside the core 13 11 14 telephone crisis support service, Lifeline Northern Beaches offers a range of other services including face-to- face counselling, telephone support for the isolated and at risk, support groups, training and community visitor programs.

It costs Lifeline $27.96 for every call responded to.

To sign up a team or donate contact:

Jo Lynas on 0415 901 361 or go to give.everydayhero.com/au/lifeline-classic.