Tasmania's leading mental health advocacy group Speak Up! Stay ChatTY is guaranteed funding with $1.35 million as part of Labor's firm commitment to address youth mental health well being and suicide awareness.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said it was crucial mental health issues in younger Tasmanians were comprehensively addressed in the knowledge that half of all life-long mental health issues begin before the age of 14 and one in seven young people aged four to 17 experience a mental health condition each year.
Labor will commit $250,000 each year for three years to Speak UP! Stay ChatTY's Schools Program and an additional $200,000 each year for three years for the Sports Program.
Ms White said support for the Speak UP! Stay ChaTY was in addition to Labor's $40 million commitment to recruit mental health workers to all 195 Tasmanian state primary and high schools.
"The facts around mental health issues for young Australians are startling and sad," Ms White said.
"The fact is one in 10 young people aged 12 to 17 will self-harm, one in 13 will seriously consider a suicide attempt and one in 40 will attempt suicide.
"Stay ChatTY and its founder Mitch McPherson do a phenomenal job providing support to young Tasmanians. With guaranteed funding, Mitch and his team will continue to do amazing work in promoting positive mental health and preventing suicide by reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek help.
"Labor's mental health workers in schools policy is aimed at helping kids by destigmatising mental health issues and providing direct counselling support and early intervention services, as well as coordinating support for students with more severe needs.
"These measures are aimed at reducing Tasmania's youth suicide rate which is among the highest in the country – and we have to do better."
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
