Major suicide prevention trial extended to the Mid West

WA Primary Health Network is one of four regions across Australia with higher than average suicide rates and will take part in a $46 million trial aimed at delivering better mental health services.

The Federal Government will establish four Suicide Prevention Trial Sites, including the Mid West, with each site receiving approximately $3 million over three years.

Member for Durack Melissa Price said the local community will benefit from better resources and services for mental health.

“Suicide is tragic and heart wrenching experience for anyone involved, affecting family members, friends and the community,” Ms Price said.

“We must do all we can to turn the tide and reduce our suicide rate.

“We are bringing together and coordinating federal, state and local governments, GPs and mental health service providers to identify issues and deliver a tailored response to a community or individual need.”

WA Primary Health Network will administer the funding and, in consultation with the local community and government, decide what services can be brought together and assess which are most effective.

The four new Suicide Prevention Trial Sites will be established in Darwin, Central Queensland, Western New South Wales and Mid-West Western Australia.

This are in addition to the eight trial sites already announced for Brisbane North, North Coast NSW, North Western Melbourne, Perth South, Townsville, The Kimberley, Tasmania and country South Australia.

Two of the trial sites will be in Indigenous communities.