After the devastating news that one of our Grom surfers, Khai, was involved in a fatal incident at Ethel Beach on December 28th we have been keeping Khai’s family and friends in our thoughts.
Khai was very involved in our surfing community with his passion for surfing stemming from a family with deep surfing roots in SA. He was a happy, kind and respectful kid, very much loved by his surfing peers and he will be greatly missed out in our community and on the water.
A Go Fund Me has been set up by Khai’s Aunty to provide support to his family through this time. If you’re able to contribute in any way we know it will be greatly appreciated.https://www.gofundme.com/f/khai-a-most-beautiful-soul-taken-from-us-2-soon
If you or your children are at a loss we encourage you to visit your GP to discuss a way forward. This is particularly significant for our young members who might not feel comfortable speaking about how they are feeling.
Alrernatively if you may need or know someone that needs support at this difficult time please see below some useful links and contact details of some wonderful organisations offering support.
Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation. They provide evidence-based interventions and information to 12 to 25-year-olds. They provide face-to-face or online services and have plenty of online resources. They’re likely an important resource:
Here is information about how to get support if you are a young person, or a person supporting a child:
Here is information about online and phone support through e-headspace (free online and telephone support and counselling to 12-25-year-olds or their families. Phone is 1800 650 890 9am-1pm AEST/ 7 days a week. Or chat online or email Information about grief & loss: And a fact sheet about it.
The Kidshelplineis a nationwide, free 24/7 confidential and private counselling service for children and young people aged 5 – 25 (1800 55 1800). They also provide webchat. Their grief and loss factsheet for parents supporting children is here.
This is another useful grief & loss fact sheet by Developing Minds (a well-respected psychology clinic for children and young people) on how to support children and young people.
There is the Trauma & Grief Network and the Australian Child & Adolescent Trauma Loss & Grief Network which includes resources for supporting young people through grief and loss. They are affiliated with the ANU and the National Department of Health. This fact sheet discusses common reactions based on age ranges.
For adults
There is also, of course, Beyond Blue and Mensline, or Lifeline.
Directory of resources for everyone
Australian Institute of Family Studies has a directory including nationwide and statewide services. And here is the HealthDirect list of mental health services.
Accessing psychological therapies (down the track, if the parent/ young person feels this is needed)
Usually, this is done through a mental health care plan obtained via a GP. Headspace offices generally have therapists who accept mental health care plans. There are plenty of clinics around Adelaide that provide this service– there tends to be a gap in payment and a waiting period. Also, some schools have on-site therapists.
Information about trauma
Urgent/ crisis mental-health support
If anyone is ever experiencing a mental health emergency, the local service is Mental Health Triage (131465). There is also the Urgent Mental Health Care Centre for over 16’s. This is a walk-in service in Grenfell Street and an alternative to attending the emergency department for mental health crises (they will refer people to the hospital if they believe this is needed).
