A Geelong suicide prevention group has received a $531,022 boost over two years following five youth suicides in the region since January.
Senator Sarah Henderson announced the federal funding commitment yesterday for the Geelong Child Youth Suicide Prevention Protocol Group, known as the Group.
The funding would support the Group’s whole-of-community place-based suicide prevention initiative in Geelong, Ms Henderson said.
“Since January 2020, the Geelong region has reported five youth suicides.
“Suicide has a ripple effect throughout our communities. Our thoughts are with the families, friends, schools and communities affected by the death of these young people.”
Ms Henderson thanked the Prime Minister’s national suicide prevention adviser, long-time mental health advocate Christine Morgan, for visiting Geelong this week to listen to the experiences of those affected by the most recent suicides.
“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the local community in Geelong in coming together rapidly and collaboratively to provide support.”
The Group had brought together representatives from health, education, police, ambulance, youth mental health and other community services in a joint approach to preventing suicide, Ms Henderson said.
Since its establishment the Group had committed to providing training and support to local school students and staff, and developing communications strategies, she said.
The Group was also building capacity around risk assessment, risk monitoring and risk identification in young people, including working with frontline services, Ms Henderson said.
For support phone, Lifeline on 131114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
