THE ‘Soul Socks’ initiative is a sister’s loving tribute to her brother Andy, a young man who died by suicide in 2017. Her bright Mo-themed socks are also a reminder - and a prompt - to encourage all Australians, to check in regularly on the mental health of their friends, loved ones and colleagues.
The not-for-profit fundraising initiative kicked off last year with 100 per cent of money raised, being donated directly to Movember to help fund life-saving research. Movember is committed to tackling the crisis in men’s mental health through its investment in early intervention and prevention programs.
Mo Sister, Dr Katie Bourke’s ‘Soul Socks’ raised $16,000 in 2019.
The Movember community ambassador’s aim – in a nutshell - is to help bring awareness to the mental health struggles facing men, every day.
Katie and her family were devastated by the loss of their brother, son and mate. The Melbourne-based psychiatrist is determined to honour Andy’s memory (he loved fun, colourful socks) while ensuring other families are protected from a similar, tragic outcome.
While Katie will always consider Hobart to be home, she currently lives in Melbourne where she also works as a Psychiatrist.
Along with many of her peers, Katie is becoming increasingly concerned about the impact the coronavirus pandemic is having on people’s mental health.
“The ongoing restrictions in place across Victoria will have an even greater impact on our already high unemployment rate, and increase the social isolation experienced by so many. We know that social isolation and loneliness is associated with poorer mental health outcomes, and that unemployment can increase someone’s risk of anxiety, depression and suicide,” she said.
“The pandemic is collectively changing our world view on what is important to us. Small things we previously took for granted, like giving a loved one a hug, are now on hold. But staying socially connected despite being physically apart is more important than ever” Katie said.
Figures recently released by Movember, exploring the impact of COVID-19 on social connections, revealed that over half (52%) of Australian men say no one has asked them if they are okay during the pandemic. Almost a third (29%) of men surveyed had not checked in with friends or family to find out how they were doing during the crisis.
Movember’s Global Director Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Brendan Maher said of the initiative:
“Katie has come up with a fantastic way to get people talking about men’s mental health. 2020 has been a difficult year and we’re not through it yet.
“The funds raised will be directly channeled into programs aimed at improving men’s mental health outcomes and preventing the tragedy of suicide,” he said.
With the economic impact of the pandemic, Katie initially felt uncomfortable asking people to purchase the socks this year. However, as it became clear the pandemic was having an impact on our mental wellbeing, coupled with feedback from friends who wanted to help, Katie decided that ‘Soul Socks’ 2020, should go ahead.
“Soul Socks’ is about having fun, supporting a good cause and connecting with those who may be having a tough time. The socks can be an icebreaker to honest conversations. And gifting socks is a great way to let someone know you are thinking about them,” she explained.
“There is another advantage of gifting socks, too. Research suggests giving to others, a term known as prosocial spending, may even improve one’s own well-being!”
To purchase Soul Socks from August 11, go to: soulsocks.com.au.
Donate: Katie’s Movember Fundraising Page.
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