Program to halve the number of deaths from suicide in Victoria launched by Andrews Government
A program aimed at halving Victoria's suicide rate over the next decade by targeting community education and at-risk areas, has been launched by the State Government.
The Government said it would spend $27 million on two suicide prevention initiatives to boost workforce training, school-based programs and mental health literacy programs.
The money was set aside in the last State Budget.
The first initiative will focus on community education and support in six local government areas - Frankston, Melton, Whittlesea, Mildura, the Latrobe Valley and Ballarat.
The second will provide intensive support for people who have attempted suicide at six hospitals across the state, including at Wangaratta, Mornington Peninsula and Geelong.
They will be launched at the start of next year.
The announcement was made at Frankston Hospital, where there are up to 10 admissions for mental health issues every day.
People need to know 'there is always hope, support'
Mental Health Minister Martin Foley said placing resources and support at hospitals to engage with people brought there after attempting suicide was a proven way to help prevent deaths.
He said involving community education was critical to spread the message that "there is always hope, there is always support".
"Whether it's [working] with football clubs, whether it's with schools, whether it's with police and emergency services," Mr Foley said.
More than 600 people died from suicide in Victoria in 2014.
"We certainly cannot accept a suicide rate that is double the road toll," Premier Daniel Andrews said.
"There will be a much more intensive, assertive outreach support for those who attempt suicide and come in contact with our health system.
"We need to reach out and provide them with the care and support, the love, the treatment that they need."