National commitment to suicide prevention

Today’s Federal Government announcement of a further $19 million in funding for suicide prevention represents momentous news for the sector and the communities it supports as the nation marks RUOK? Day and World Suicide Prevention Day.

This funding will support 15 leading organisations to deliver national suicide prevention programs and services via the National Suicide Prevention Leadership and Support Program.

Everymind congratulates and acknowledges the significance of this funding which will enable various suicide prevention programs to deliver services, awareness, stigma reduction, research and leadership until June 2022.

The funding will bring the total investment in the National Suicide Prevention Leadership and Support Program to more than $100 million, reflecting a continued federal focus on suicide prevention.

Everymind Acting Director, Associate Professor Carmel Loughland, says it is is especially fitting for this announcement to be made today, which marks both RUOK? Day and World Suicide Prevention Day.

“The meaning of this announcement isn’t lost on me, the sector or the very communities who we all collectively seek to serve,’ Associate Professor Loughland said.

“This is an important day not just for those who work in suicide prevention but those who have had their lives touched by suicide, so it is incredibly rewarding to see the importance of this work elevated through funding from one of the highest offices in the country today.

“Every single person and organisation who contributes to this sector is working towards a common goal, and that is to help minimise risk to some of the most vulnerable members of our communities through research, services, support, innovation and collaboration.

“Everymind is incredibly proud to be one of 15 organisations to be acknowledged as a recipient of this extended funding, which will drive the continued delivery of a range of projects including Mindframe, Life in Mind and our partnership with SANE Australia.”

Recipients of the funding include Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, Everymind, Mates in Construction Australia Ltd, Mental Health First Aid Australia, National LGBTI Health Alliance, Orygen – The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, OzHelp Foundation Ltd, RUOK, ReachOut, Roses in the Ocean, Suicide Prevention Australia, The University of Melbourne, The University of Western Australia, United Synergies and Wesley Community Services.

CEO of SANE Australia Jack Heath also commented on the funding announcement, which will continue the important work of SANE StigmaWatch.

“We are pleased that today’s announcement means the SANE StigmaWatch program will be able to continue for another year,
Mr Heath said.

“Now, more than ever, we need to re-double our efforts to create a community where people affected by mental health issues are free from stigma and discrimination."

Find out more on the announcement here:
https://www.greghunt.com.au/enhancing-suicide-prevention-on-r-u-ok-world-suicide-prevention-day/