Fly High For Mental Health In Memory Of Corey Woodhouse

During the month of August, Jason Wood­house of Forbes will be fundraising in memory of his son Corey Woodhouse, who he lost almost two years ago to suicide. All funds raised will be donated to Kids Hel­pline and Headspace.

Corey was only 14 years old when he tragically took his own life and Jason said to his wife Michelle, “We need to do some­thing. No one should feel this pain.” Jason wants Corey’s short time in this world to mean something and he wants to show Co­rey’s siblings, Kaylee and Jaxon, and other young kids, that help is out there.

“It took too long to get the help Corey needed in the year prior to Corey taking his life, and as parents we didn’t know where to get help. So, I need to help educate parents and kids where to go if they need help,” said Jason.

Corey loved everything about planes – he was always making paper planes and even started flying lessons at the age of 13. The people of Forbes and Parkes can assist during August by purchasing paper planes to write their name on, from their local Bernardi’s Marketplace, Discount Daves Parkes or Coles Parkes. People can also donate raffle or auction items and drop them to Bernardi Forbes (Kathrine Wright) and Coles Parkes (Hope Ross).

The community is invited to an auction being held Saturday 23 August at 5pm for 6pm start at the Forbes Bowling Club, on the bowling ground. Businesses can help by donating items to the auction; all money raised will go to Kids Helpline and Head­space. Forbes Livestock will be assisting on the evening as auctioneer.

Then, on Sunday 24 August, Jason will be holding a free mental health event, where kids and parents, can be educated on the range of services available if they need help. Local service providers will be set up on the day to provide information and speak to people.

It will be a great family day out with givea­ways, face painting, bracelet making, rock painting, a paper plane making and throw­ing activity, and a BBQ run by the Forbes Lion’s Club.