Quicksand Run for Change Together: Supporting Youth Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention
When a community comes together, it can spark change that goes far beyond any finish line. On the NSW Central Coast, a powerful movement is underway to protect young lives and build a stronger, safer future. Save Our Kids from Suicide (SOKS), an initiative of the Rotary Club of Gosford North, is leading this charge by funding suicide-prevention and youth-enrichment programs that reach deep into schools, sports clubs, and families.
Joining the upcoming Quicksand Run event at Terrigal Beach on Sunday, 23 August 2026, offers a unique chance to support this vital cause. Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, your participation helps spread life-saving knowledge and strengthens community wellbeing.
The Urgent Need for Youth Suicide Prevention
Youth suicide remains a heartbreaking reality in many communities. On the NSW Central Coast, young people face pressures from school, social life, and mental health challenges that can feel overwhelming. Suicide prevention is not just about crisis intervention; it’s about building awareness and skills in the people who surround young individuals every day.
SOKS works closely with Lifeline to provide practical education that equips adults—coaches, teachers, parents, umpires, and sports administrators—with the tools to recognise warning signs and start supportive conversations. These trusted adults often serve as the first line of defence, guiding young people toward the help they need.
At the same time, young participants learn how to support their friends, speak openly about their feelings, and seek help when life becomes too much. This dual approach creates a community where everyone plays a role in keeping kids safe.
How SOKS Builds a Safer Community
SOKS’s programs focus on practical, hands-on training that makes a real difference. Some key elements include:
Recognising Warning Signs: Adults learn to spot changes in behaviour, mood, or social withdrawal that may indicate a young person is struggling.
Starting Conversations: Training teaches how to approach sensitive topics with care and openness, reducing stigma around mental health.
Connecting to Help: Knowing where to find support services and how to guide young people to them is a critical part of the program.
Peer Support Skills: Young people gain confidence in looking out for their mates, encouraging honesty, and asking for help when needed.
This education reaches beyond schools into sporting clubs and community groups, creating a network of informed, caring individuals ready to act.
Runners taking part in a community event at Terrigal Beach to support youth wellbeing and suicide prevention.
The Power of Community Involvement
The strength of SOKS comes from its local network of volunteers, families, schools, sporting groups, businesses, sponsors, and community organisations. Every person who donates, volunteers, or shares the message helps expand the reach of these life-saving programs.
Community involvement also means that the message of hope and support spreads naturally. When young people see adults and peers working together to create a safer environment, it builds trust and encourages openness.
Join Quicksand Australia and Make Every Step Count
One of the most active ways to support SOKS is by participating in the Quicksand Australia event at Terrigal Beach. This event offers:
2km, 5km, and 10km soft-sand runs
Family-friendly options
School and team relays
You don’t need to be an elite runner to join. Walking, running, or cheering from the sidelines all contribute to the cause. Gathering a workplace team or bringing your family makes the event a shared experience of community spirit.
Your entry fee directly supports SOKS, helping fund ongoing education and outreach programs. Training for the event also boosts your own fitness, confidence, and connection with others.
How to Get Involved Beyond the Run
If you cannot attend the event, there are still many ways to help:
Donate online to support program funding
Volunteer at local schools or sporting clubs
Share information about suicide prevention and youth wellbeing
Encourage conversations about mental health in your community
Every action, big or small, contributes to building a safer environment for young people.
Building Hope One Step at a Time
The work of Save Our Kids from Suicide shows how a community united can create real change. By educating adults and young people, providing practical tools, and fostering connection, SOKS helps turn hope into action.
Joining Quicksand Australia or supporting SOKS in other ways means you become part of this movement. Together, we can help save our kids and build a future where every young person feels seen, heard, and supported.
Register today at quicksandaustralia.com and help turn every step into hope and support for the youth of the Central Coast.
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