The Assistant Minister for Health Dr David Gillespie and North Coast Primary Health Network (NCPHN) have announced new funding for suicide prevention training across the North Coast.
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NCPHN has given $110,648 to recipient Wesley Mission to deliver Wesley LifeForce suicide prevention training. The training program is supported by funding from the Federal Government.
Wesley LifeForce training is evidence-based and designed for gatekeepers. Gatekeepers are community members who are well positioned to recognise a crisis and the warning signs of suicide risk to respond appropriately. It includes a series of North Coast workshops, seminars and online forums which will run over the next 12 months.
“This training is part of our government’s larger commitment to mental health, suicide prevention, and alcohol and other drugs in this region,” said Dr Gillespie.
“The North Coast has been given more than $100,000 to help identify and address the needs of the local communities.”
This training is one of several key programs adopted on the North Coast to address high suicide rates in the region.
Over 280 people including community members, doctors, practice nurses, reception staff and regional frontline workers will receive training.
The training aims to improve understanding of suicide, increase the participant’s ability to identify suicide behaviours and intervene in the best possible way. The training locations selected will be done in collaboration with the community and the health sector to ensure maximum reach and delivery to regions of highest need.
NCPHN’s Mental Health Reform & Integration director Dr Megan Lawrance said the Wesley LifeForce training offered a range of modules that met the needs of the community.
“LifeForce has a proven track record in enhancing the capacity of individual community members, including clinical and non-clinical professionals, to deliver suicide prevention interventions and assist people to engage with suicide prevention services,” she said.
Wesley Mission ceo Dr Keith Garner said since 1996 Wesley LifeForce training had been delivered to more than 30,000 people across Australia.
“The program includes educating people about suicide, challenging attitudes and teaching basic engagement skills,” he said.
“We work with local communities helping them to find local solutions to one of Australia’s most pressing problems.
“We are looking forward to supporting the North Coast with this important program.”
For 24/7 crisis support please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78.
