Aussie flip-flop company Boomerangz has teamed up with mental health charity LIVIN to raise funds for mental health programs to support young Australians and promote the message that every journey begins with a single step, and that “it ain’t weak to speak”.
Gold Coast-based Boomerangz founder Brad Munro urged people during Mental Health Week in October to wear a pair of thongs. For a limited time only, every purchase will see LIVIN retain 50 per cent to support Aussies struggling with mental health, plus purchasers will score yourself a pair of thongs that have solved every thong-wearers nightmare, the ‘blow-out’ (for the few uninitiated, this is when your plugger breaks and leaves you walking around barefoot). “I’ve got family and friends battling mental health, others have attempted suicide, some have taken their own life, some are winning the battle, but often that is exactly what it is… a constant battle,” said Munro.
For each life lost to suicide, the impact is felt by up to 135 people, including family members, work colleagues, friends, and first responders at the time of death. The number of deaths by suicide in young Australians is the highest it has been in 10 years, and LIVIN Co-Founder Sam Webb says stigma and embarrassment remain a significant barrier to getting help. “No matter what it is you’re struggling with, I encourage you to take that first step and speak with someone, anyone. Oftentimes it’s the hardest step but the most rewarding step in the right direction.”
If you or someone you know need support, there is a lot of help available. The first step is going to see your doctor; however, you can also contact BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 for advice and support on next steps if going to see a doctor is not an option for you right now. For crisis support, you can reach out 24/7 from Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. You can also text a crisis support worker on 0477 13 11 14 (between 6 pm and midnight every night). If you have hurt yourself or need immediate support, call 000. For more information on identifying mental health struggles in yourself or those around you, head to https://livin.org/pages/get-the-facts
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