The numbers are staggering. Every year, almost one million people die from suicide; a "global" mortality rate of 16 per 100,000, or one death every 40 seconds. In Australia, 2500 people commit suicide each year, with over 100,000 teenagers suffering from depression. And suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged in Australia. The numbers paint a painfully dark reality. There are hundreds of organisations doing incredible work. Charities, businesses, health professionals; all playing their part to try and curb these horrific numbers. And we salute and applaud them for every life they effect, every person they support, and every life they save. Suicide does not have to be an option. We believe that suicide is the tragic “solution” for someone who feels hopeless. For someone who has lost meaning in their life. For someone who feels isolated and has no sense of community. We all deserve love. We deserve freedom. We all deserve to live a life with dignity and recognition of our individual worth. We believe that if someone, anyone, can find hope, can find meaning, and can feel part of a community, they will be empowered. Empowered to rise up and triumph over their pain, and to choose life. The Roar Effect is changing the world. It connects us, near and far. It guides us in overcoming pain and tragedy. It helps us choose to live a life with purpose, with meaning and with dignity. It’s our community; a celebration of love and freedom. Now matter who you are. No matter how easy or hard your life has been. No matter which city or village you live in. No matter what greater power you believe in. The Roar Effect is ours. Our cause, our goal, our passion, our calling. It will bring an end to youth suicide. Within us all is the power. The power to rise up. The power to change. The power to overcome. The power to leave fear behind, and discover hope. And when we realise our purpose, we know that suicide isn’t an option. Instead we find meaning. We find love. We find freedom. And when we find these, we don’t whisper; we stand up with pride, we raise our voices and we roar. No matter who you are or where you’re from, or what you believe, we invite you to join our movement.