Tragically, every year in Australia around 65,000 people attempt suicide.

So, for one day, at 10.10 on September 10, 65 of Australia’s best photographers are coming together to share an image which speaks a thousand words to them about why more needs to be done to lower this figure, to offer hope and support those who need it most, whilst also reducing stigma around this often taboo subject.

Many of the photographers have been touched by suicide in their own lives, and the hope is that these incredible, personal images will encourage other Aussies to share their own reason to keep going, using the hashtag #65000reasons, and tagging the campaigns Instagram page @65000reasons.

Incorporating the voice of lived and living experience into the public narrative is essential for suicide prevention. Importantly, including those with lived experience is one way we can start to address the stigma associated with suicide.

Already, a number of well-known actors, musicians, comedians, chefs and media personalities have jumped on board to share their own images of hope, with more to follow, with the aim to get 65,000 Australians to participate on the day.

To feel inspired, and to share your own images, visit @65000reasons.

Jonny Clow, managing director of Silver Lining said, “the numbers who attempt suicide each year are really sad. So, it’s time to shine a light on this, and so with Suicide Prevention Australia, we decided to transform World Suicide Prevention Day into visual messages of hope. Because reducing stigma and offering hope to those in distress is an important part of recovery.”

Clare Kinsella, director communications and media relations from Suicide Prevention Australia said, “this campaign is part of a much wider advocacy campaign to influence substantial suicide prevention policy reform.”

“We have adopted 65,000 Reasons as our advocacy platform because it signifies what unites us all, not just within the sector, but also within government and the community more broadly. There is no doubt it’s an urgent and compelling reason for positive and systemic change.”

“Ultimately, the goal for Suicide Prevention Australia’s policy advocacy in 2021 is to secure a public commitment to develop and legislate a Suicide Prevention Act”.

“Creating hope through action is an important part of World Suicide Prevention Day and every other day of the year,” Kinsella said.