The Dr Edward Koch Foundation, est. 1995, is working towards reducing the incidence of suicide and self-harm through various projects in the Far North Queensland region. There is a great need in the region to become aware of and involved in reducing the increasing rates of suicide:

• In 2017, our region experienced a threefold increase in the suicide rate from the previous year
• In Qld alone : suicide is the #1 cause of death for 15-44 year olds, and 1 in 2 Qld'ers will experience mental illness in their lifetime *

These figures remind us that there is much more that needs to be done to address the issues surrounding suicide and mental wellbeing. 

Support from the community is fundamental to the Foundation's future, as it is in constant need of funds to support its ongoing activities. It is often left to the private sector to underpin the work of charitable organisations, and indeed without this help most organisations would not be able to function. The Foundation is no exception and relies strongly on the generosity of corporations, service clubs and individual donors.

Your donation will aid these projects and assist with our suicide prevention workshops and is very much appreciated.

How will the funds be used?

• Delivery of Life Suicide Prevention & Mental Health First Aid Workshops
• Life Suicide Prevention Community Action Plans (all communities of North Qld)
• Printing of vital suicide prevention resources dispersed throughout the community
• Funding the annual 'All Of Us Festival' - North Qld's only Mental Health Festival promoting services available to the entire community including but not limited to CALD, LGBTQ+ & youth populations
• Youth Suicide Prevention Programs
• & other ongoing programs developped by locals for locals to curb suicidality in our region