- WA's first Youth Suicide Sanctuary pilot progresses with $508,000 Lotterywest grant
- Builds on State Government's commitment to supporting young people aged 16 to 24 years who experience suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- Grant is in addition to $2.9 million already provided to develop and deliver the innovative service
A $508,000 Lotterywest grant to Samaritans WA Ltd will enable refurbishment of their Subiaco building into a youth friendly sanctuary for young people experiencing suicidal ideation.
This funding is in addition to the $2.9 million already provided to Ruah Community Services, Samaritans WA Ltd and Telethon Kids Institute to develop and deliver Western Australia's first Youth Suicide Sanctuary pilot.
The innovative short-term residential service will provide youths aged 16 to 24 experiencing suicidal thoughts or suicide distress with a safe and evidence-based alternative to hospital emergency departments.
Staffed by trained peer workers and volunteers and overseen by a qualified clinician, the Youth Suicide Sanctuary will provide trauma-informed, person-centred support to WA young people.
The fit-for-purpose, five-bed service will be designed in collaboration with young people, their families, and mental health experts and is expected to support up to 300 young people and their families each year.
For mental health, alcohol and other drug support and information call Here For You on 1800here4u (1800 437 348) from 7am to 10pm any day of the week.
For other helplines, visit: www.mhc.wa.gov.au/helplines.
In an emergency, call 000.
As stated by Mental Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Improving mental health outcomes for children and adolescents is an important area of focus for the State Government.
"The Youth Suicide Sanctuary short-term residential service will offer evidence-based support to 16 to 24-year-olds experiencing suicidal ideations and behaviours, offering a safe alternative to emergency departments.
"It is the first service of its kind in our State and is set to provide up to 300 young people and their families with innovative non-medical suicide prevention support every year.
"The Lotterywest grant will enable Samaritans WA Ltd to transform their Subiaco building into a warm, purpose-built environment where young people will feel safe while accessing support."
