3,249 Australians died by suicide in 2022 and over 7 million are close to someone who has died by suicide or attempted suicide.
This can’t be the way it is. I’m one of those 7 million. In 2010 I sat in the waiting room and the Doctor came back to me and told me my best friend in the entire world decided she didn’t want to be here anymore. I cried for a long time, I was so angry. I’ve dedicated a lot my life since to learn as much as I can about these challenges.
Every day, we’re working to change the statistics. Today, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. Here at Cars For Hope, it’s become the most important date on our calendar. Since 2013, our #IAMDRIVEN campaign has been built around a statement and this year we’ve decided with “Reasons to stay alive”. We chose these words because we’ve been inspired by you, our car community, strangers who have became friends, and friends who remind us that our story is worth fighting for. This has become one of my favourite things about our charity organisation.
We want people to know that their life matters, and their story is significant. More than anything, we want people to know that it’s okay to be honest, and it’s okay to ask for help. The highlight of our work is when people say things like, “I’m still alive because of Cars For Hope.” Or “I got help because of you guys.”
It would mean the world to me if you could help bring this message to more people in more places. Whether it’s online, at a car meet, the dinner table or the race track – our hope is that this campaign might lead to life-changing conversations. The Cars For Hope story has been one of people connecting with hope and help by talking about things that aren’t usually talked about. Too many people feel alone. Too many people feel invisible. This campaign is our attempt to tell people that they matter, that they’re not alone, that there are many reasons why you should stay.
For the full campaign details and how you can help, visit: www.carsforhope.com.au/iamdriven
