Life in Mind welcomes last night’s coverage of the 2019/2020 Federal Budget, with the Australian Government announcing a $737 million boost, focusing on supporting and strengthening suicide prevention activities and youth mental health.
Everymind Suicide Prevention Project Lead, Simon Pont said the national funding is a great investment into supporting the sector and community in responding to and communicating about suicide and its impacts.
“As the national directory for the suicide prevention sector, Life in Mind welcomes the Federal Budget funding to national organisations and initiatives to support their efforts in reducing suicide,” Mr Pont said.
“Life in Mind works closely with stakeholders in these funding areas and we look forward to further supporting and collaborating with them to deliver their important work.”
Life in Mind recognises suicide is a public health issue affecting individuals, families, workplaces and communities across Australia, so the creation of the role of Suicide Prevention Coordinator within the Prime Minister’s Department is welcomed and pivotal.
The Government has dedicated more than $461 million to addressing youth mental health and suicide prevention, with funding including:
- $15 million to empower culturally- informed Indigenous suicide prevention
- $111 million to expand headspace services
- $15 million over three years to develop a new national suicide prevention data system.
Looking at community projects, Life in Mind welcomes community based non-clinical suicide prevention, supported by Roses in the Ocean.
Life in Mind looks forward to a continued partnership with Roses in the Ocean and our National Communications Charter Champion, Bronwen Edwards.
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