Government committed to support Bunbury's young people

Mental Health Minister Helen Morton has met with relevant local mental health services, education authorities and school psychologists to listen to concerns expressed to them by the community about the recent tragic loss of young people to suicide in the region.

The meeting took place on Tuesday, July 1 and also included representatives from local support services, Youth Focus and Headspace.  It followed last week's community forum on self-harm organised by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, and attended by more than 180 local residents.

"Services have been working together to provide support and assistance to Bunbury's young people and their families.  It was good to know that Youth Focus and Headspace can prioritise their counselling for young people in Bunbury," Mrs Morton said.

The Department of Education has worked in tandem with local support services to offer prompt support and information.  The schools continue to offer students, parents and staff this support, including bereavement counselling where needed.

"The service representatives attending the meeting have told me of concerns in the community and the desire for training and support on suicide prevention.  At the meeting, I confirmed that the Mental Health Commission would offer every support to enable the Bunbury community to develop the skills and confidence to recognise and help those at risk of suicide," Mrs Morton said.

Following this meeting, the Minister directed the Mental Health Commission to engage the National Standby Response Service to provide a Critical Postvention Response. The Standby team is expected to be on the ground within a couple of weeks.

This team will co-ordinate the response in the community to the recent suicides. They will offer bereavement support and education, and develop a postvention plan to strengthen community capacity into the future.

Teen Mental Health First Aid is expected to be made available to Bunbury high schools from next term.  The Mental Health Commission will provide a trainer to offer this training to teenagers, school staff and parents. The training, developed by Mental Health First Aid Australia, is to assist adolescents developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis such as suicidal ideation, bullying or abuse.

Mrs Morton has also asked Youth Focus to use some of the additional funding they received in the State Budget to provide extra support to students at risk in Bunbury.

"While there are a number of services available to support those at risk of suicide or experiencing acute mental health issues, it must be recognised that family and friends are our first port of call when we face a crisis," she said.

"Mental Health and suicide prevention is a whole of community issue and is everybody's business.  Whether you are a family member, friend, teammate, colleague, neighbour or business associate, don't be afraid to talk to someone about how they are feeling."

Local mental health services are being encouraged to apply for funding under the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention's small grants scheme, which offers grants of $10,000 for suicide prevention projects.  Grant applications close on July 31 and more information can be found on the Mental Health Commission website at http://www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au. 

A further meeting between community stakeholders will be held in about four weeks' time to co-ordinate the service response.

Mental Health Commissioner Tim Marney recommends five things every family can do to support one another: 

1. Take warning signs seriously, reaching out to them could save a life. Seek urgent help by calling 000 or going to an emergency department of a hospital. Call RuralLink - 1800 552 002 - for mental health emergency assessment, support and referral

2. Spend time with the person, identify who they can call on for emotional and practical support.  Ask the person to promise they will reach out and tell someone if feeling suicidal

3. Talk to them. Discussing suicide will not put the idea into their head but will encourage them to talk about their feelings. Don't agree to keep secrets as the person's safety is your main concern

4. If you are really worried, don't leave the person alone. Remove any means of suicide, including weapons, medications, alcohol and other drugs, even access to a car.  Stand by and, if necessary, organise with others to take shifts around the clock to be with the person

5. Encourage and help the person to get professional support through local their GP, a counsellor, Aboriginal health worker, community mental health service or through a telephone/web-based counselling service.

The Mental Health Commissioner also has 10 tips every Western Australian can do to help prevent suicide: 

1. Talk to your mates:  Don't be afraid of approaching someone who may be sad, withdrawn or struggling. It is better to say something than to regret saying nothing at all. For help on how to start a conversation go to http://www.conversationsmatter.com.au/  

2. Get informed:  Know the warning signs and services that can help. See http://www.reachout.com.au  

3. Offer to help:  Offer practical help and/or emotional support. Take them to their GP appointments, or refer them to telephone or internet-based counselling.

4. In the workplace:  It is crucial for employers to create mentally healthy workplaces. There are a wide range of free resources including training, support and events available to One Life Suicide Prevention Pledge Partners.  See http://www.onelifewa.com.au  

5. School support:  Resources and services are available to schools through Headspace and Youth Focus.

6. Staying connected:  Communities can organise mental health awareness events that foster a sense of belonging and social connection.

7. Breaking down barriers:  Isolation and prejudice are the biggest barriers stopping people seeking the help they need.  What you do can make the difference - reach out to your mates, support others and respect differences.

8. Keep healthy:  To reduce stress levels it's important to remember to eat well, exercise, sleep, cut down on alcohol and take time to do the things you enjoy.

9. Look after yourself:  If you are caring for someone with mental illness, don't forget to look after yourself too. See http://www.arafmi.asn.au; http://www.carerswa.asn.au

10. Deal with grief:  Talking to someone can help if you who have lost a friend or loved one to suicide. See http://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au  

In addition, the following support lines can offer crisis support:

Youth Focus 6266 4333 - http://www.youthfocus.com.au

Headspace 9729 6800 - http://www.headspace.org.au

Youthbeyondblue 1300 224 636 - http://www.youthbeyondblue.com

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467- http://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Lifeline 13 11 14 - http://www.lifeline.org.au

RuralLink 1800 552 002

Kids Help Line 1800 551 800

Crisis Care Helpline 1800 199 088

QLife 1800 184 527

Men's Line Australia 1300 789 978

Minister's office - 6552 6900