The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to support the wellbeing of the people across New South Wales, with $400,000 in grants now available to provide targeted support to improve men's mental health and drive down rates of male suicide.
Targeted at community-based mental healthcare providers, the new program offers grants of up to $50,000 for local and grassroots organisations who are working on the ground to support men's mental health.
New South Wales accounts for the most male deaths by suicide in Australia. In 2023 alone, there were 934 suspected deaths by suicide in the state, with men accounting for 730, or 78 per cent of these tragedies.
The launch of the new grants program follows the recent release of the NSW Men's Mental Health: A focus on suicide prevention report which was informed by the landmark Men's Mental Health Forum held in August.
This program aligns with the report's recommendation to invest in grassroots local community-led initiatives that focus on building community connection, emotional intelligence and mental health literacy among men.
The forum brought together 84 participants from 61 mental health and suicide prevention organisations across NSW. It provided a platform for discussions among advocates, researchers, diverse people with lived experience of mental illness and professionals working to support men.
Leaders at the forum examined the social drivers of men's distress, identified at-risk priority communities and proposed successful interventions, while considering the future of male suicide prevention.
Further recommendations within the report which will inform the Government's ongoing work in this space include:
- strengthen the peer workforce to support men's mental health, reduce stigma, increase help-seeking behaviour, and improve mental health literacy
- expand access to support services for men outside of clinical settings, recognising that clinical settings can be a barrier
- ensure policies, programs and services are co-designed with input from men who have lived experience of mental ill-health and those who care for them.
Grant applications are now open until 15 December and can be completed online: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/Pages/men-suicide-prevention.aspx
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:
"The number one cause of death among Australian men aged 15-44 years is suicide. This is unacceptable and we are dedicated to moving the dial by providing real support to mental health care providers in the community.
"While the statistics alone are sobering, we must also remember that behind every number is a story of loss, families and communities left grieving and missed opportunities for intervention.
"The Men's Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Small Grants Program is an opportunity to bolster our support for community organisations who help men and can address the unique challenges they face in relation to mental health and suicide prevention.
"I want to personally thank all the mental health advocates and men with lived experience who participated in the Men's Mental Health Forum this year - their voices are vitally important to continue this conversation, work towards solutions and end the stigma.
"The recommendations from the Forum report are critical to our ongoing work in this space will guide our future efforts to reduce suicide and improve mental health among men in NSW."
If you, or someone you know, is in a life-threatening situation please seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000). For those contemplating suicide or experiencing severe distress, the following helplines are available 24/7:
