Forward July 2014 | Page 12

SENIOR SCHOOL charity Houses for School House – Youth Focus Two years ago School House’s charity changed from Surf Life Saving Australia to Youth Focus. This change was motivated by the tragic loss of a deeply loved member of the School House community, Ben Davies. Youth Focus is an independent not-for-profit organisation designed to prevent youth suicide, depression and self-harm. It provides free counselling services with experienced and professional psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists. In 2013 over 1500 young people were supported by Youth Focus counselling sessions. Over the past year, School House has held several fundraising events to support this worthy organisation. In Term 3 of 2013 the then Year 11 students held a bacon and egg stall, followed promptly in Term 4 by the Year 10 students hosting a sausage sizzle. On top of that with donations at the annual School House service, in 2013 alone, more than $2400 was raised. We hope that this year we can continue these events and protect youth in our community who may be vulnerable to depression, self-harm and suicide. 12 Each House in the Senior School selects a charity to support each year, which becomes the focus of their fundraising for the year. Information on each of this year’s House charities is below. Ben’s loss two years ago gave me a realisation that anyone is vulnerable, and it isn’t always noticeable if someone is suffering from depression. If you know someone suffering, or you yourself are, contact Youth Focus for support through their website http://youthfocus.com.au. Roberta Notte Head of House St George’s House – Anglican Board of Missions Prior to 2011, St George’s House was supporting a number of charities such as the Cancer Council and Diabetes Research, so in 2011, it was decided by the Head of House and the House Prefects to focus on supporting one charity and also to think of a charity associated with the Anglican Church. After discussions with Father Phillip, it was decided that St George’s House would raise funds to support the Anglican Board of Missions (ABM). The ABM believes in a world where all people enjoy God’s promise of love, hope and justice. We work to see this belief become a reality. ABM is the national mission agency of the Anglican Church of Australia working with overseas and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. They have a holistic view of God’s mission. They work with Anglican Church partners and others to see lives empowered and transformed spiritually, materially and socially. They help the Anglican Church and the wider community realise and respond to the invitation for all to be a part of God’s hope for the world. Throughout the years, since beginning our association with ABM, St George’s House has run sausage sizzles each year and along with a retiring collection at our bi-annual services, the House has been able to annually present a donation of approximately $1000. It is hoped that in the years to come St George’s House can continue to develop close ties with ABM and raise much needed funds, thereby assisting a charity organisation that is able to help people in so many ways. Mel Weston Head of House