Abseil for Youth

Abseil for Youth

Thrill seekers across the nation are being urged to take the ultimate challenge of abseiling a Sydney skyscraper while raising money to help young Australians overcome addiction to drugs like Ice, with the seventh annual Abseil for Youth program running from 20th - 22nd October at 1 Market Street, Sydney.
 
For the first time, experienced abseilers can join the foundation in attempting a Guinness World Record for the most people to abseil face-first  down 33 storeys and 135 metres from the building's rooftop, in a bid to raise money for  Sir David Martin Foundation, which funds Mission Australia's Triple Care Farm, providing treatment and support, as well as assisting young people in returning to education and training to find pathways to employment and the hope for a better future.
 
Alex Green, General Manager of Sir David Martin Foundation, said the Abseil for Youth fundraising event is paramount in addressing substance addiction, homelessness, mental illness and providing treatment and support to assist young people to find pathways to employment and a healthy, productive life.
 
"The Abseil for Youth program is the key fundraising event for the foundation.  Ice is now the primary drug of concern for young people attending Triple Care Farm, there has never been a more pressing time for the community to come together and stand against this epidemic," Mr Green said.
 
Abseil for Youth brings together hundreds of people each year who are passionate about experiencing life to the fullest. It's an opportunity to challenge individuals and give young people the chance for a future they deserve. With six ropes running over three days this year, the Abseil for Youth program can accommodate individuals or teams of six members at any one time.
 
Triple Care Farm is an award winning residential rehabilitation for young people aged 16-24. Set on 100 acres in the NSW Southern Highlands, Triple Care Farm provides an ideal rural environment of peace and healing for emotionally troubled youth, most of whom present with co-morbid conditions of drug and alcohol addiction and mental illness.

Experiences of Youth People at Triple Care Farm*   100%     Substance misuse 92%        Unemployment 86%        Mental health issues 77%        Family breakdown 76%        Criminal history 70%        Suicidal ideation 44%        Experiences of physical abuse 41%        Self-injurious behaviour 38%        Homelessness 22%        Experiences of sexual abuse   *Source: TCF 2015 impacts and outcomes   Average education level - Year 10

 

Triple Care Farm is one of the few organisations in Australia to combine drug and alcohol treatment with mental health services, education, training and life-skills programs. With a
new detox centre, David Martin Place to be built in 2017, every dollar counts.
 
Ambassador and My Kitchen Rules semi-finalist Scott Gooding said "Abseil for Youth is a thrilling experience. It's not every day you can abseil from the rooftop of a Sydney skyscraper and I recommend everyone gets behind the event.
 
By pushing your comfort zone and registering to abseil in October you'll be helping young Australians get the professional help they need to overcome addiction to drugs like ice, look after their physical and mental health and be supported to make changes in their lives to achieve their goals for a safe future." Gooding said.  
 

Sir David Martin Foundation is a non-profit organisation created in 1990 by the late Governor of NSW, who had a dream of safety, hope and opportunity for all young Australians.
 
Sir David Martin Foundation relies heavily on community support, volunteers, donors and event participants.  To support the Foundation and help them achieve their goal of raising $500,000 register now as an individual or as part of a team, with a registration fee of $200 per abseilers and a minimum fundraising target of $900. To register visit www.investaabseilforyouth.com.
 
The public can get involved by a making a one-off donation at www.sdmf.org.au or via abseilforyouth.com.