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ACT group funded for suicide prevention project

The Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service will receive funding under the National Suicide Prevention Strategy for a suicide prevention program in the Australian Capital Territory.

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6 October 2003

ACT group funded for suicide prevention project

The Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service will receive funding under the National Suicide Prevention Strategy for a suicide prevention program in the Australian Capital Territory.

The Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, said that the Australian Government would provide $131,800 to the health service for its Home and Community Space Maintenance - Suicide Prevention Program, which aims to build resilience in young men at risk of suicide and reduce their isolation.

"Suicide is a major public health problem in Australia, with about 2,400 people taking their life each year," Senator Patterson said.

"This project takes a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention, including developing links between services, increasing coverage in rural and remote areas, working with groups at particular risk, and assisting the community to be more aware of mental health issues.

"Representatives of community organisations will work with the health service to implement the project, build infrastructure and establish support networks for people at risk of suicide," Senator Patterson said.

Among those most at risk of suicide are young men, the elderly, Indigenous Australians, people with mental illness or abuse problems, rural and remote residents, and those in correctional institutions.

The National Suicide Prevention Strategy aims to help local communities establish resources and expand and develop links with community and non-government organisations that support people at risk of suicide or self-harming behaviours.

For more information: Randal Markey, Media Adviser, Senator Patterson's Office (02) 6277 7220