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Celebrities and community say no to youth suicide
Kids Helpline joined with the Corrilee Foundation, international model Miranda Kerr and actor David Field recently for the launch of the Too Many Too Soon television campaign, to help prevent youth suicide.
BoysTown and Kids Helpline Chief Executive Officer Tracy Adams said the campaign aims to raise awareness of Australia's alarming youth suicide rate and encourage young people to reach out for help.
"Suicide is the leading cause of death for young people aged 15 to 24, claiming the lives of 2000 Australians each year," she said.
"Each day, Kids Helpline speaks with 20 young people who have thoughts of suicide.
"Losing even one young life to suicide is too many – we want young people to realise they are not alone."
Actor David Field came up with the idea for the campaign after losing a close friend's daughter, Tahlia, to suicide at the age of 19.
"I was deeply affected by this and wondered how we could help kids out there who are distressed," he said.
International model Miranda Kerr also lost a young cousin to suicide, prompting her support of the campaign.
"The sadness of losing someone, especially in these circumstances is something we live with and we continually question how it could have been prevented," Miranda said.
She said her cousin felt alone after battling depression secretly for many years and, for that reason, she gave her support to Kids Helpline.
"There's not really a great awareness about the services available to kids and that's why I am behind this great cause," she said.
"If we can reach just one child and let them know there is someone out there who wants to listen, that could help to save their life.
"I believe if my cousin had known of Kids Helpline it may well have saved his life."
The campaign features photos submitted by both celebrities and everyday Australians who want to help prevent youth suicide, along with an original song written by David Field.
To learn more visit www.toomanytoosoon.com.au
