Funds to battle suicide

PM’s advisor visits Geelong after 5 deaths

THE Federal Government has pledged $530,000 to boost youth mental health support and tackle suicide across the region.

National Mental Health Commission chief executive Christine Morgan, who was in Geelong yesterday to visit families impacted by suicide, said the funding would help develop a service response that was unique to the area. There have been five youth suicides in Geelong this year.

The funding was pledged to support the work of the Geelong Child Youth Suicide Prevention Protocol Group. Those who have been impacted by suicide will assist health, education and emergency service professionals to develop an action plan for Geelong.

“The really important thing to say is ... what can we do to look in the here and now to understand the risks? I came here to listen and better understand,” said Ms Morgan, who is an adviser to Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

The Geelong Child Youth Suicide Prevention Protocol Group has committed to:

PROVIDE training for schools to manage mental health issues;

INCREASE capacity of services to assess, monitor and identify mental health issues and risk in young people; and DEVELOP methods for friends, parents and families of those experiencing mental health issues to understand issues and respond.

Ms Morgan encouraged young people to seek help for their mental health concerns during the school holidays that begin on June 27.

Identifying gaps in support, developing a suicide prevention “action plan” with local input, and engaging with the whole community to understand the impact of suicide will also be a focus of the funding that will be distributed by the Western Victorian Primary Healthcare Network before July 2022.

Headspace chief executive Jason Trethowan said the inter-agency group’s work would further engage the community.

“The recent impact has been profound for the entire Geelong community and has affected multiple schools, thousands of families, educators, and young people,” Mr Trethowan said.

“We encourage any young person experiencing grief, distress or suicidal thoughts to seek professional support.”

Senator Sarah Henderson said the funding aimed to build a “more connected and integrated” suicide prevention system. “The Government acknowledges the impact of suicide and is committed to reducing suicide through a range of initiatives,” Senator Henderson said.

The funding follows a $200,000 grant for headspace Geelong announced last week.

Annette Mercuri, who has more than 25 years of health planning experience, will chair the group.

Victorian Mental Health Minister Martin Foley this week said a multi-agency response would support the Geelong community after five male teen suicides since January.