$8 MILLION TO PREVENT SUICIDES AMONG HIGH-RISK GROUPS
Friday, 3 September 2021
The NSW Government’s Suicide Prevention Fund has given a boost to mental health services in regional NSW as they continue to experience high-demand during the COVID-19 Stay-At-Home Orders.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said the funding will improve access to mental health support for people living in the electorate.
“Our regional communities are among the identified at-risk groups known to have higher rates of suicide,” Ms Cooke said.
“As many know, the topic of mental health is very important to me. I have worked closely with Wellways who are part of the Murrumbidgee Local Response Group for suicide prevention and in partnership, have held a series of virtual and face-to-face mental health forums for the people in our communities, so I welcome this crucial funding at a time when it is needed the most.”
The $8 million investment is in addition to the $87 million Towards Zero Suicides investment which is a NSW Government priority.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the funding is all about encouraging safe conversations around suicide and suicidal behaviour so people in priority groups know how and where to access the help that is right for them.
“This is all about encouraging safe conversations around suicide and suicidal behaviour so people in these priority groups know how and where to access the help that is right for them,” Ms Taylor added.
The funded services and activities are:
Organisation | Priority Group | Activity / service funded |
Wellways Australia | Young people | Delivery of local and state-wide social media campaigns to build awareness of support pathways available to young people in times of increased stress, suicide risk or isolation. This will include a range of culturally diverse video campaigns. |
Anglican Community Services | Older people | Delivery of online suicide prevention training for people who work with older people across NSW (including those in aged care, allied health and mental health). |
HealthWISE - New England North West Health | People who have previously attempted suicide | A suicide aftercare service in the New England North West region of NSW. The service covers Mehi, Tablelands and Peel clusters of the New England North West region and provides outreach services in smaller towns. |
Grand Pacific Health | People who are experiencing suicidal crisis and require immediate support, and people who have previously attempted suicide | A suicide aftercare service in Illawarra Shoalhaven and Southern NSW. The primary focus will be supporting people over the age of 16 years who have attempted suicide, are at significant risk of suicide or in suicidal crisis.
The locations of hubs in Illawarra Shoalhaven are Wollongong and Nowra. The locations of hubs in Southern NSW are Goulburn, Queanbeyan, Bega and Moruya.
All hubs can provide outreach services to surrounding regions. |
Suicide Prevention Australia | Men | An evidence-informed public health campaign to break down the stigma of help-seeking among men, as well as promote safe conversations around suicide and suicidal behavior, and improve access to existing suicide prevention services. |
ACON | LGBTQ+/ People of diverse sexualities and/or genders | Expansion of ACON’s Suicide Aftercare Service to provide a statewide service for people of diverse sexualities and/or gender who have attempted suicide.
ACON will also deliver a Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Online Hub for this community, their families, friends and other support networks, including health professionals. |
If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 (Triple Zero).
For anyone who is struggling, you can call the below helplines for support and advice: Lifeline 13 11 14 | Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 | NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.
