- Cook Government delivers $1.1 million funding boost for Lifeline WA
- 10 additional crisis support workers to boost capacity of help lines on Saturday nights
- Increased training for staff assisting higher-risk populations including victim survivors of FDV and sexual assault, young people, LGBTIQA+ people, people in CaLD communities, and Aboriginal people
- Additional $1 million for grants to support higher-risk groups
- Part of Cook Government's commitment to suicide prevention
The Cook Government is providing $1.1 million to Lifeline WA to boost the capacity of crisis support lines during peak times and increase training for staff assisting higher-risk populations.
Lifeline WA provides 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services via phone and online (text/online chat) platforms, assisting almost 98,000 Western Australians seeking help in 2022-23.
This additional funding will increase the capacity of Lifeline WA to respond to calls received on Saturday nights, including from higher-risk populations such as young people, LGBTIQA+ people, Aboriginal people, men, and victim survivors of family and domestic violence (FDV) and sexual assault.
Ten additional crisis support workers will be recruited, trained, and deployed to bolster the vital service during peak times.
A crisis support training coordinator with expertise in at-risk populations will also be employed to develop and deliver professional development resources for crisis supporters.
Additionally, the Mental Health Commission will establish a $1 million targeted grants program to deliver bespoke community-led responses to higher risk populations.
Grants of up to $100,000 will be available to organisations to increase awareness of suicide prevention services; encourage conversations about suicide; and increase community knowledge and participation about suicide prevention and mental health.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"While suicide prevention is a whole of community issue, we know that it affects some communities more than others.
"Sadly, victim survivors of FDV and sexual assault, young people, LGBTIQA+ people, Aboriginal people, CaLD communities and men are at higher risk of suicide and need extra support.
"That's why my Government is committed to boosting awareness and prevention where it is needed most.
"This $1.1 million funding boost will support Lifeline WA so they can better meet the needs of higher-risk groups, with an additional 10 crisis support workers on hand to help."
As stated by Mental Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Lifeline WA provides a vital service to Western Australians in their time of need and is to be congratulated for their incredible contribution to our community for over more than 30 years.
"Evidence suggests that especially vulnerable populations are more likely to contact crisis support services on Saturday nights and these 10 additional crisis support workers will help Lifeline WA boost their capacity during this peak time.
"As a Government, we are committed to increasing access to mental health services across the State and helping Western Australians to connect with care that is tailored to their individual needs."
