Help is at hand

By Lilly O’Gorman
BOTH the Victorian and federal governments have joined Casey and Cardinia’s suicide fight, by introducing what is believed to be a nationwide first initiative.
The $150,000 funding announced on Monday night will place a co-ordinator within the growth corridor, dedicated to the region’s response to the youth suicide issue.
The Casey Headspace Co-ordinator position is jointly funded by the state and federal governments.
Minister for Mental Health, Women’s Affairs and Community Services Mary Wooldridge announced the funding on Monday night at the Youth Mental Health Forum, hosted by the City of Casey at Monash University, Berwick.
Ms Wooldridge said the funding was now in place to provide the dedicated co-ordinator for a 12-month term, in what she believed to be a unique move for Australia.
Also launched on the night was the Youth Suicide Resource Kit, an initiative of the Youth Suicide Steering Committee which formed in January this year by the City of Casey.
The kit was also funded by the State Government, along with funds raised by The Berwick Op Shop.
It provides resources and information to make it easier for people to find help and access support services. It will also be distributed to schools, sporting clubs and other community groups across Cardinia.
Ms Wooldridge said an inability to access and navigate the state’s complex support systems was a key issue in the fight against youth suicide.
“There is no doubt that this community is facing one of the most difficult issues a community can face,” Ms Wooldridge said.
“There is no doubt there have been too many suicides … but what is so clear is that the community has banded together.
“We will certainly be learning from the experience of this community … as we also think about that broader strategy that we’re developing for the state in terms of suicide prevention.
“I hope this (the Headspace Co-ordinator) will be a significant investment for the City of Casey and Cardinia.”
Member for Gembrook Brad Battin thanked Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Southern Health, Headspace and Casey Council for releasing the youth suicide prevention pack which would be “an example for the rest of the state of what can be achieved if agencies work together”.
“The communities in Casey and Cardinia with local schools sent a strong message tonight, we will never give up on our young people, and it will take an entire community response for change,” Mr Battin said.
Cardinia Shire Councillor Brett Owen said Cardinia Shire Council was working alongside the City of Casey with representatives on the Youth Suicide Advisory Group which is facilitated by City of Casey.
“I am pleased to hear the funding announcement for the new position of a dedicated Headspace Co-ordinator for Casey/Cardinia,” Cr Owen said.
“This position will enhance the services currently available in Cardinia.”
Hundreds of key community stakeholders, including local councillors, police, paramedics, teachers and principals and politicians attended the forum on Monday night to learn more about youth mental health issues and hear about the community response so far.
Casey Youth Suicide Steering Committee representatives gave an overview of the work completed in the last 10 months, including the formation of the advisory committee which developed the youth mental health kit.
Manager of Youth and Family Services at the City of Casey Collette McMahon said research into suicide clusters had shown an all-agency response was most affective in dealing with youth suicide.
Ms McMahon said the committee was still seeking to partner with Melbourne University for further research into suicide clusters.
Research fellow Jo Robinson from Orygen Youth Health Research Centre also spoke, providing an insight into youth mental health, which was the biggest health issue facing young people aged 15 to 24.
She said programs that educated and informed young people at risk of suicide, as well as identifying who wouldn’t have sought help on their own, were shown to work.
“The best way of us knowing is by asking. Do not be afraid to ask about suicide,” Ms Robinson said.
“Asking someone if they are suicidal will not put ideas into their head.”
City of Casey Mayor Sam Aziz said the all agency approach was refreshing, but the City of Casey did not have all the answers as the population of young people was set to grow from 60,000 to 71,000 by 2020.
Visit Beyondblue.org.au, call Suicide Helpline Victoria on 1300 651 257 or Lifeline on 131 119 if you are in need of immediate assistance, or talk to someone you trust.