It has been five years since Sam Matters, “a lovable, cheeky, beautiful boy with every reason to live,” took his own life.

Each day his family - dad Dean, mum Mel and brothers Josh and Perry - still expect him to come barrelling through the back door of their Gerringong home, a sparkle of mischief in his eyes and his beloved dog Red by his side.

“Why he chose the path he did is something that we will grapple with for the rest of our lives,” says Dean.

Sam, a talented footballer and golfer who was loved by all in the close-knit coastal town, was just 18 when he died. Every day without Sam is a struggle for his family, but they are determined to save others from the devastation of suicide by raising awareness and funds to support youth mental health.

Each year the family hosts the Sam Matters Cup at Gerringong Golf Club in honour of their beloved boy.

The charity day was the brainchild of the club’s professional Shane Cochrane, one of many golfers who witnessed Sam’s determination to master the game from the moment he first picked up a club as a 10-year-old.

“Golf was such a big part of Sam’s life,” says Shane. “We wanted to do something to honour his memory.”

Sam takes a swing at Gerringong.

Now in its fifth year the charity event has raised more than $100,000 to fund youth development programs at Nowra PCYC and a mentoring initiative through the Building Young Men Program.

Gerringong’s Mark Burns, CEO of The Man Walk - a group for men to walk, talk and improve mental health through community connection - leads the successful Building Young Men Program which has supported dozens of boys from across the region to “understand their value”.

The Saving Sammy Foundation will again fund the mental health mentoring program, now in its fourth year, to support Year 10 students at Kiama High School during a critical stage of their development.

“Mentors talk to the boys about their own challenges, the difficulties they faced in growing into young men,” explains Dean.

“It is a fantastic initiative which I wish had been available when Sam was alive. Maybe the outcome would have been different.”

Sam’s mum Mel, an independent Kiama Councillor who stepped into the role to give a voice to the community who continues to rally around her family, says the golf day is a chance “to remember our Sam with our community and friends and prevent the same heartbreak happening to another family.”

Sam at his 18th birthday party.

“If we can save one young person Sam's life will not have been in vain,” says Dean. “Raising awareness and holding this event in Sammy’s name might help another young person feel seen, valued, and not so alone.”

The Sam Matters Cup will be held on September 12. Call Gerringong Golf Club Pro Shop on 4234 3333 to book.

Anyone seeking support can phone Lifeline to speak to a Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114, or chat online at www.lifeline.org.au (all services are available 24/7).