'Sock it to Suicide' sees Wagga police, Wellways wear lairiest socks to raise awareness for mental health

'Sock it to Suicide', an initiative by Wellways, aims to raise awareness on the issue of mental health by asking businesses, organisations and the wider community to wear statement socks to begin an important conversation.

Staff from Wellways Wagga joined the Wagga Police crew for a breakfast this morning with a sea of brightly coloured, novelty socks dotting the station.

Riverina Police District Commander Superintendent Bob Noble said the initiative was one close to their hearts.

"We've all got our lairy socks on to have a bit of fun in what would otherwise be a very serious issue," he said.

"For police, it's one we're really wading through on a daily or weekly basis - regrettably, police respond to a lot of suicides, suicide attempts and often have to intervene in attempts and support bereaved relatives."

Superintendent Noble said the issue was far reaching, and hoped to see change.

"It's very close to all of our hearts and I have no doubt that almost everyone in the community has been touched in some way by suicide, so this is something we can do to try and make a change with our friends in the community," he said.

For those struggling with their mental health, Superintendent Noble had a message of support.

"Know you're not alone," he said.

"There's all manner of supports out there, be it Lifeline, Beyond Blue, Headspace, agencies like Wellways, your family doctor, members of clergy, someone you trust, your mate, your mum, your dad, your brother, your sister - Reach out, you're not alone."

Wellways Wagga suicide prevention and community development coordinator Fran Godde said the idea for 'Sock it to Suicide 2020' came about after a conversation on recognising World Suicide Prevention Day.

"One of the main factors in deciding this was that we realised with COVID, people are distanced or feeling disconnected from family and friends, so we wanted it to be a type of campaign people can get behind if they're on their own at home, in the office or with their families," she said.

"We thought, let's do something a little bit light-hearted - Every one has a pair of socks at home that may be a little bit different, have holes in them or are a bit fun and funky, and it's something you would notice if people are passing you by, so you can start those important conversations or even just put a smile on someone's face."

Ms Godde said the reaction by the community was "overwhelming".

"Locally in Wagga, quite a lot of businesses and individuals are getting on board and posting their socks across social media," she said.

"But also there's been a fantastic reaction not just in the Murrumbidgee, but wider than that.

"We've got different workplaces and individuals from Wollongong and even in Victoria getting on board, so it's really great to see that something that started off as a little bit of a fun idea to get involved has become this thing to connect people in different locations far and wide."