Red Dust CEO Scott Stirling today welcomed the announcement of $1.2m in funding from Indigenous Health Minister Ken Wyatt AM that will boost support for mental health and youth suicide prevention.
With the support of the Australian Government, Red Dust Role Models will expand the reach of its innovative health and wellbeing programs to strengthen the identity and aspiration of Indigenous youth in the Northern Territory.
"This is a really positive outcome for young people in the NT who desire greater opportunities to build a stronger sense of cultural identity, be valued as contributing members of their families and communities and thrive in remote and urban settings", Mr Stirling said.
"We deliver programs built on a community-as-family model, drawing on the strengths of all worlds that surround young people including the vast protective mechanisms and values inherent to Indigenous people.
"This funding will allow us to continue building and strengthening role model capacity within community – Red Dust Role Models from the red dust who lead, love and support their own youth through the pathway, in the case of suicide prevention and mental health – from despair to destiny.
A key focus of work will be the continued development of a flexible workforce within remote communities including community education and support workers and cultural leaders. Communities will benefit from increased capacity with skills to build resilience within families and identify and support vulnerable youth.
