Safety Bay fun run for mental health
![Safety Bay residents Kerrie Van Eldick, Sharon and Denise Young encourage Rockingham and Kwinana residents to help raise awareness about mental health issues.](https://images.thewest.com.au/publication/YA-376972/030914stg_shadow1_1a0ao9o-1a0aoaf.jpg?imwidth=810&impolicy=wan_v3)
In an effort to raise awareness about suicide prevention, Safety Bay residents have banded together to hold the second annual fun run at Waikiki Foreshore on Saturday.
This year's Out of the Shadows and into the Light walk for Rockingham will coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.
Organiser Sharon Young said mental health did not have the same level of support as other illnesses such as cancer and wanted to increase the awareness in the region. "More people die from suicide than skin and breast cancer," she said.
Last year about 250 people attended the event and Mrs Young hoped this year's turn out increased for the 8km Leg it for Lifeline run or the casual walk.
"It's a chance to show support for people with mental health issues or remember those who died," Mrs Young said.
Mrs Young's daughter Denise said suicide impacted her family three years ago when her cousin took his own life.
She said the family "imploded" because they were unaware of his depression and have since wanted to raise awareness about mental health.
Starting at the Waikiki Foreshore Memorial at 9am, across from BP, the walk and run will follow the coast south towards Warnbro, where water stations will be placed along the way.
Participants can also contribute to a piece of artwork for WA Lifeline's head office.
For more information, email penguinpilates@live.com.au .
If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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