The State Government has allocated more than $188,000 worth of training grants to 12 community organisations to help build resilience and prevent suicide in local communities.
Organisations have been provided funding through the State Government’s Suicide Prevention Grants to deliver evidence-based suicide prevention training with a focus on the priority populations identified in the State-wide suicide prevention strategy, Suicide Prevention 2020.
On average, around one person each day loses their life to suicide in Western Australia. Providing grants for training strengthens the capacity of the community to help reduce the incidence of suicide, especially among groups that are particularly vulnerable, and support people with suicidal ideation or behaviour.
The training will be delivered across Western Australia by local governments, not-for-profit organisations and community groups who were invited to apply for grants of up to $20,000.
The training will help participants acquire the skills and knowledge to help prevent and recognise suicidal behaviour and mental health issues, while building resilience and support within their community.
Mental Health Minister Roger Cook today visited mentors from The Wirrpanda Foundation who deliver Youth Mental Health First Aid Training and are recipients of a $17,550 grant from the State Government. The foundation assists the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community across metropolitan Perth, as well as in the Pilbara, Kimberley, Great Southern, Goldfields, Mid-West and Wheatbelt regions.
For immediate support, call beyondblue on 1300 224 636 for 24/7 free counselling, or Lifeline in a crisis situation on 13 11 14. For information on mental health and wellbeing, visit http://www.thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au