Shenelle's Awareness Party

Celebrate with me!

**TRIGGER WARNING - THE CONTENT BELOW PERTAINS TO MENTAL HEALTH/SUICIDE**

Hey everyone!

My name is Shenelle (as you may or may not know) and this year I will be celebrating my 20th birthday on the 24th of June 2024. So, in honour of celebrating 2 decades of my life, I’m asking for something different. Instead of gifts/cards/vouchers/items etc., I’m asking for your support in a cause that’s close to my heart - mental health.

I am hoping to have a big "awareness party" (online) where anyone who stumbles upon this fundraiser makes a donation, to celebrate my birthday, whilst also supporting mental health - essentially, this fundraiser is my gift - your gift to me, and my gift to Mental Health Awareness. With a little over 2 months until my birthday - I am hoping that this is ample time to reach my fundraising goal. 

Mental illness in an invisible battle that affects 1 in 5 Australians every year, causing symptoms like depression and anxiety. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44 years. The impacts can be devastating, not only for those living with it, but for those around them. 

This battle is something I have witnessed first-hand, through my own personal experiences and the experiences of those around me. A peer, whom I shared my entire schooling career with, from grade 3 - 12, tragically took their own life after graduation. Another, who I had mutual friends with, did the same when we were in grade 9, at just 15 years old. 

Although I wasn’t aware of either of their stories or journeys, their sudden loss left a profound impact on me. It underscored the urgency of the situation - the need for us to speak up, reach out, and remind each other that we are never alone in our struggles. 

Struggling with mental health can lead to isolation and a lack of enthusiasm for celebrations - even one's own birthday. I have been lucky enough to enjoy every single birthday of mine, for as long as I can remember, and so, this year, I've decided that I want to use this occasion to support those who might be unable to find joy on their own birthday. 

As someone pursuing a Bachelor of Psychology, I've dedicated my studies to understanding these invisible battles, with the hope of one day making a direct difference in people's lives. Until such time, I want to support organisations such as Black Dog Institute, who dedicate their services to struggling individuals. 

But I can't do this alone. 

That's why I'm reaching out to you, and asking for your support, through donating to my fundraiser and in return helping Black Dog Institute to continue their services. Black Dog Institute is an organisation that provides invaluable critical assistance to Australians impacted by mental illness. Any amount that you can donate whether it be $2 or $20 will make a difference. All donations will support crucial mental health research, awareness, education and will help in maintaining/increasing the resources available for those who need it most.

So, in essence, like I said, I want to have a big awareness "party" where everyone celebrates my birthday by making a donation or sharing this fundraiser. Let's create a meaningful moment for mental health and hopefully bring more awareness to this cause. We can bring a little more light into the lives of those struggling with their mental health.

I am also aware of financial constraints, therefore, if you are unable to donate, please know that sharing this fundraiser with anyone you know is impactful and will also help me eventually reach my goal. 

Once again, thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you for your donations and support 🌼😊

*This fundraiser will be active until the 24th of June 2024 11.30pm AEST*

**If anything you have read has affected you, please reach out to someone trusted or a healthcare provider - alternatively please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you need to talk and feel as though you have no one to turn to - you are never alone**