A legion of 10,000 volunteers will be trained in suicide prevention as part of a NSW government initiative to protect high-risk communities.
‘Gatekeepers’ will learn how to recognise the signs that someone is at risk of suicide, and will be trained to help their workmates, friends and family to stay safe and seek help.
The initiative follows the NSW Premier’s Priority to work towards zero suicides, whereby $2.8 million will be given to community Gatekeeper training over three years.
“Every precious life lost to suicide has a devastating ripple effect across families and the whole community,” Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said.
“We know over 40 per cent of people who die by suicide have not reached out for professional support, so having Gatekeepers throughout the community trained to help and support people in a crisis is critical in saving lives.”
More than half of all Gatekeepers will be in regional areas.
“Other communities to be supported with trained volunteers include construction workers, First Responders, indigenous communities, family lawyers, men between 18 and 35 years, veterinarians and LGBTIQ communities,” Taylor said.
Gatekeeper training will be provided by 13 organisations with expertise in engaging at-risk communities in specific regions.
Towards Zero Suicides is a NSW Premier’s Priority, investing $87 million over three years in new suicide prevention initiatives.
If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 or one of the following services: Lifeline (13 11 14), Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467), NSW Mental Health Line (1800 011 511).