The Western Australian Government has announced an additional $1.2 million injection for youth mental health, with the key aim of suicide prevention.

 

The funding, to be delivered over four years, will be allocated to the Youth Focus group, which will deliver counseling for ‘young people at risk of depression and suicide’.

 

Mental Health Minister Helen Morton said the funding to Youth Focus will support the new ‘Focus Plus’ program which engages 12-25 year-olds who have a GP-provided Mental Health Care Plan.

 

“About one in four young people will have had a depressive disorder by the end of their adolescence and on average a young person takes their own life almost every week in WA,” Mrs Morton said.

 

“These statistics are heartbreaking and should be considered unacceptable in our community.”

 

Youth Focus employs psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists to provide early intervention and prevention services free-of-charge and to help young people and their families deal with issues associated with suicide, depression and self harm.

 

The funding will form part of the broader $13 million Suicide Prevention Strategy.