Orygen has welcomed $14m in funding from the New South Wales government to roll out a world-first suicide intervention program across the state.
The program will see Orygen work with LivingWorks Australia to offer suicide prevention training to more than quarter of a million people over a two-year period.
Funded by the Mental Health Recovery Package announced by NSW Premier Dom Perrottet and Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor yesterday, the training will be free for all high schools.
The funding announcement is believed to be the largest of its kind in the world.
Teachers, parents, youth peer supporters, social clubs, sports organisations and other community-based groups are set to benefit from the program.
Head of Suicide Prevention Research at Orygen, Associate Professor Jo Robinson, said the program would embed vital suicide prevention skills in school communities.
“With rising suicide rates among young Australians, preventive action is more important than ever,” she said.
“Teachers and support staff are in a unique position to recognise and respond to signs of suicidal thoughts before crisis point, ensuring young people needing help are connected to care and to safety.”
Orygen and LivingWorks Australia have worked together for years, developing safeTALK training for schools and education settings through research and codesign with young people, teachers and parents.
LivingWorks Australia Director of Suicide Prevention Marc Bryant said it was crucial to work as part of the ecosystem of services that supported young people and prevented suicide and self-harm.
“Through this funding, LivingWorks Australia and Orygen will work with many stakeholders to build a Network of Safety around school communities to address youth suicide and connect to care and recovery at the earliest point.”