Eve Christensen isn't afraid to ask for help if she feels down.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But the 14-year-old is aware it isn't as easy for some others her age.
The Shellharbour Anglican College Year 9 student knows that in July, four young people in nearby Kiama, Kiama Downs and Gerringong took their own lives.
"It is sad, it's really sad," Eve said. "It is really important to look after people and make sure people are okay. We need to ask people how they are and always be kind to people you meet, that's really important."
Eve and her fellow college students want to contribute to raising awareness of the disproportionate number of youth suicides in the Illawarra.
That lack of hope and sense of despair is awful to see and I don't want to sit back and watch it happen.
They are supporting a grassroots campaign to raise awareness and funds for youth suicide prevention.
In backing the Makuta Masks initiative, textiles students led by head teacher Meegan Knight have cut and sewn more than 200 (and counting) masks to help fill the 2000 plus back order.
"It's a great cause. I'm happy to play a part in raising awareness and funds," Eve said.
Shellharbour Anglican College principal Megan Hastie "couldn't be prouder" of the students.
"Our kids are giving up their lunchtimes to voluntarily make these masks," she said.
"The kids are passionate and want to help. They want to be involved and be part of the solution for their peers and for each other.
"I'm just really proud of that attitude that seeks to serve the community and to do whatever they can to help out."
Mrs Hastie said it was important not to pretend nothing was wrong, and start conversations about youth suicide.
"It's a terrible time and so tragic to see that there are so many kids, but also we are seeing suicides amongst adults as well in our community," she said.
"That lack of hope and sense of despair is awful to see and I don't want to sit back and watch it happen."
The principal added schools were in a good position to help families and young people.
"I certainly feel schools have a role to play and certainly we've been trying, particularly in the last few weeks I've been chatting to the principal of Kiama High and to Gareth Ward, our state MP, and the people at the Suicide Prevention Collaborative.
"I think schools are a natural hub, families gather around them. I think we can have a role of helping our students and helping our families, educate them, provide support and also guidance of where to go to get further help they need, beyond what a school can provide."
If you need support call Lifeline on 13 11 14.