And the effects ripple from the individual to families, friends, schools, sports teams and workplaces.

"A significant proportion of the population is struggling," Mr Pidd said.

"At Border Trust we identify areas in the community that need support and building resilience is at the top of our agenda."

That's why Saturday's On The Couch fundraiser was a particularly vital one for the community, he said.

The event will feature a preview screening of the locally-made documentary, Solstice, which captures the stories of survivors of suicide and their battle for mental health reform.

The film will be followed by a Q&A with renowned mental health advocate Professor Patrick McGorry, filmmaker Helen Newman and Stuart Baker, one of the founders of the annual Albury-Wodonga Winter Solstice.

Mr Pidd said the film was a positive way to open conversations about mental health and suicide in the community.

It is also a tribute to the "extraordinary bravery" of survivors of suicide, including Annette and Stuart Baker, who are actively campaigning for change.

"This film is certainly about honouring those who have died but it is also a suicide prevention strategy," he said.

"We must get better about supporting people with mental illness and we need the right supports in place."

Mr Pidd said he expected some of the discussion with Professor McGorry in the Q&A panel would focus on moving "beyond awareness".

"As a community we are aware," Mr Pidd said.

"But what does 'beyond awareness' look like?

"What can I do when I walk out of here to help a mate who is struggling?

"That's critical - from the point of the Border Trust, it's about how we can inform the community, keep the conversation going and give people the tools to turn the tide on this."