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Project Spotlight
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Welcome to Givewell's Project Spotlight. Each month we highlight a project for which a charity is currently seeking funds. We also provide details on how to give directly for this project.
Background Information: Jerry Farsoun is a Melbourne resident who suffered from an overwhelming bout of depression triggered by a series of compounding events that almost claimed his life. Although surrounded by many friends, Jerry felt totally alone and helpless and called the helpline provided by Crisis Support Services - Australia’s leading professionally staffed, telephone counselling provider. Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Crisis Support Services provides vital community support via helplines such as Mensline Australia, SuicideLine (VIC) and the Suicide Call Back Service. It is an independent, internationally accredited, not-for-profit, professionally staffed, telephone counselling organisation, drawing on a 50 year history of helping people in need. Jerry has now recovered and having drawn great strength from his experience of depression, is devoting his time to raising awareness of depression and suicidal thoughts, as well as raising funds for the Suicide Call Back Service. The goal of funding at least three additional professional counsellors for this service is one of the main things that continues to inspire Jerry as he makes his way around Australia. Three counsellors would be able to provide round-the-clock support for more than 1700 individuals, incidentally the same number of men who die from suicide each year. Project Description: Jerry’s vision is to fly solo in an ultra light aircraft around Australia to raise awareness about depression in Australia and to inspire those living lives of quiet desperation that they are not alone and that support is available. Jerry started flying in February and he personally funded the entire project. Recently he has been aided by the valuable sponsorships and in-kind support from a diverse range of organisations and individuals. With the support of the local community, he aims to leap-frog around Australia in an anti-clockwise direction from town to town (flight plan) spreading the message that it’s never too late and that something can always be done. His hope is that through his personal plight with depression, those in need may be inspired to hang on for a little longer and to most importantly seek support! Suicide Call Back Service: The Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 is a free nation-wide, professional and anonymous telephone support service for people at risk of suicide, their carers and people bereaved by suicide. Jerry is supporting the Suicide Call Back Service as he feels the service is ideally suited for Australians most at risk, whether they are doing it tough in the rural areas, on a waiting list to see someone face to face, not able to access mental health services, or importantly, the often unsung heroes- the carers of someone who is battling with depression or suicidal thoughts. Jerry is calling for individuals and organisations to donate to the Suicide Call Back Service, to allow even more Australians to receive free professional counselling and support. Can donors/grant makers give directly for this project? Yes. If so, how? All donations to Crisis Support Services Inc. over $2 are tax deductible and can be made via:
Ms Caroline Doherty, Public Relations Manager Ph: (03) 8371 2835(03) Email: cdoherty@crisissupport.org.au Web: www.crisissupport.org.au or www.overdownunder.com.au Previous Project Spotlights
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