Mental health and suicide prevention organisations and community groups across the Riverina are set to benefit from $114m in grant funding.
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Falling under the umbrella of the National Suicide Prevention Leadership and Support Program, $64.5m is slated specifically for suicide prevention support for at risk populations and communities.
At-risk populations and communities include, but are not limited to, younger people, men, LGBTIQA+ people, veterans, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and those living in rural or remote communities.
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Val Woodland from the Griffith Suicide Prevention and Support Group said that the funding would be of tremendous benefit to the local community.
"There are always new initiatives that are being bought to our attention to provide opportunities for people who are struggling to reach out and seek support before they make that irreversible decision," Mrs Woodland said.
An example of this is the Big Brothers, Big Sisters youth mentoring program which a dedicated team of locals is trying to bring to the Riverina.
Member for Farrer Sussan Ley says supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Australians is a national priority, and something the Morrison Government is deeply committed to.
"The last two years have been a particularly difficult time for many people in my electorate, with COVID-19 taking an extra toll on their mental health and wellbeing," Ms Ley said.
"There are many organisations in Farrer which have stepped up and have been working tirelessly to support those who are struggling, and I encourage these organisations to apply for this grant opportunity."
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According to Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention David Coleman, applications that focus on populations and communities disproportionately impacted by suicide.
"We know that men are three times more likely than women to take their life, but less likely to access mental health support," Mr Coleman said.
"We also know that people in rural and remote Australia have a much higher rate of suicide than people living in our larger cities."
Mrs Woodland noted that any funding would be a wonderful asset, especially to regional areas.
"Regional communities are always struggling to get the services and qualified staff to man those services, anything that can help take the burden off a depressed person is a good initiative," Mrs Woodland said.
The National Suicide Prevention Leadership and Support grants program is now open for applications until 28 January 2022. For more information visit grants.gov.au.
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