The Minns Labor Government is investing nearly $1.4 million to enhance men's mental health and prevent suicides, with expanded funding awarded to 34 grassroots organisations to deliver targeted community-led programs for men across the state.
The NSW Government has boosted funding for the Men's Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Small Grants Program to $1,375,205 - a substantial increase from the $400,000 originally announced.
The grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 and will help community and grassroots organisations deliver targeted mental health and suicide prevention initiatives for men and boys.
The projects funded have a focus on priority populations including Aboriginal men, boys and young adult men, older men, men living with a disability, men living in rural and remote areas, and GBTQ+ men.
The grants will support local mentoring and peer support groups, forums and BBQs, and activities like walking groups, coffee meetups and yarning circles for men across the state to promote men's mental health, wellbeing and resilience with an aim to reduce suicide rates in NSW.
The NSW Suicide Monitoring System shows that men are disproportionately impacted by suicide and account for more than three quarters of deaths by suicide in NSW each year.
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:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- 13 YARN: 13 92 76
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467.
Additionally, the NSW Mental Health Line (1800 011 511) offers 24/7 advice on accessing local specialist mental health services.
For further information visit Men's Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Small Grants Program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:
"Men are disproportionately impacted by suicide and account for more than three quarters of suicide deaths in NSW.
"This is deeply concerning, and we are continuing to engage with men and men's mental health experts to see how we can bring these rates down.
"We know some men can be reluctant to engage with traditional mental health services, so these grants were designed to help grassroots organisations provide tailored support for men in the community.
"The funding was originally announced following the Men's Mental Health Forum held in NSW Parliament in August 2024. Due to the number of excellent applications received, we have substantially increased this funding to support more of these organisations.
"Community mental health care is fundamental as we work to address the drivers of distress and provide local solutions for at-risk men across NSW, making sure they can reach out for help when needed."
