Older people, the LGBTIQ community and people living in regional NSW are among the at-risk groups who will now have improved access to mental health support thanks to the NSW Government’s Suicide Prevention Fund.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said that $8 million in funding has been allocated to six organisations committed to engaging with communities known to have higher rates of suicide.
“We know that there are some groups of individuals who are at greater risk of suicide due to issues such as past trauma, stigma or isolation,” Mrs Taylor said.
“These experiences not only destabilise their mental health and sense of connectedness, they also make it extremely hard to ask for support. 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.”
The NSW Government is also in the final stages of identifying an Aboriginal-owned organisation to deliver targeted suicide prevention activities to First Australians.
The funded services and activities are ACON, Anglican Community Services, HealthWise – NE/ NW Health, Grand Pacific Health, Suicide Prevention Australia and Wellways Australia. The $8 million investment is in addition to the $87 million To-wards Zero Suicides investment. Towards Zero Suicides is a NSW Premier’s Priority.
If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis, 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.