Vital funds for suicide prevention in Lake Macquarie


4th May 2017

A suicide prevention initiative in Lake Macquarie will receive a $280,000 funding boost, State Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper announced today.

The Bright Minds, Connected Communities initiative will provide targeted resources for young people dealing with a mental health crisis or suicide attempt. The program will also provide training for high school teachers to better identify and respond to the mental health issues of students.

“The initiative was developed by the Lake Macquarie community and will see a significant amount of collaboration between a number of organisations, the local health district and primary health networks in the Lake Macquarie area,” Mr Piper said.

“It’s so encouraging to see local groups come up with local solutions to give our young people a helping hand.

“It’s also very pleasing to see the government targeting more funding into this important area, and particularly to community-based organisations.”

The funding has been made available through a statewide suicide prevention fund.

Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies said the Suicide Prevention Fund helps non-government organisations prevent suicide in local communities and is part of a record $1.8 billion annual investment in mental health care.

“While suicide prevention is an issue for everyone in our communities, we know many people at risk of suicide and self-harm will not always come into contact with mental health professionals,” she said.

“The Suicide Prevention Fund is part of a range NSW Government initiatives aimed at lowering the rate of suicide. It is a key part of our decade-long whole-of-government enhancement of mental health care.”

If you or someone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

Media inquiries: Greg Piper 0407 770 837 or Jason Gordon 0419 633 325

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