As a young mum of three, 27-year-old former Cowra woman Kate Cruickshank is excited to be helping raise the profile of the Young Men's Shed and mental health awareness as an entrant in the 2019 Cherry Queen competition.
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Ms Cruickshank said raising awareness of mental health support within community organisations was a goal close to her heart.
"I'm a suicide survivor myself. So I know the subject quite well," she said.
"I know a few families that suicide has affected, but the thing that hit home and made me go 'this is it I'm doing it (fundraising)' is a mate of my brother recently took his own life very unexpectedly.
"From my experience having medications, seeing professionals and calling hotlines don't really help."
Ms Cruickshank said sharing her story and showing people there are places they can turn to was important to her.
"I've spoken about wanting to advocate and help out with mental health awareness," she said.
"So I wanted to find something different, like the Men's Shed, where people in that black spot can go for a different kind of support.
"It really means a lot to me, I'm passionate about sharing my story and knowledge. Opening up and showing others what is out there in terms of support groups."
Ms Cruickshank said she was looking forward to fundraising for the Men's Shed and raising their profile in the town.
"I met them the other day and they are a really great bunch of guys," she said.
"I got along with them straight away and it warmed my heart to know I found them and they were willing to work with me.
"I'm really looking forward to helping to promote them more and put their name out there.
"You can talk to the guys at the Men's Shed and they have similar experiences and can relate with someone else which I found works best."
If you or someone you know needs help, contact:
- Lifeline 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
- Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467