$150,000 grant for Aboriginal suicide prevention

29 August 2016

• Kaata-Koorliny Enterprise and Employment Development Aboriginal Corporation to create Cultural Brokers in Wheatbelt pilot project
• Cultural Brokers will develop a long-term relationship with families to help build resilience and promote culturally secure suicide prevention activities 

Mental Health Minister Andrea Mitchell today announced a $150,000 grant to the Kaata-Koorliny Enterprise and Employment Development Aboriginal Corporation (KAATA) to provide Aboriginal suicide prevention training in the Wheatbelt.


The grant, which is part of the Liberal National Government's $25.9 million suicide prevention strategy, Suicide Prevention 2020, will enable the organisation to train 'cultural brokers' to engage families and ensure they can access the care they need following a suicide within the community.


"This grant will make a significant contribution to strengthening the capacity of the Wheatbelt community to reduce the incidence of suicide and will deliver long-term change in groups of people who are especially vulnerable," Ms Mitchell said.


"The pilot program will engage families over a 12-month period to ensure they are can recognise and respond to signs of suicide and self-harm and then access the most appropriate services.


"Working on the ground with families over an extended period will allow more meaningful relationships to develop and provide the opportunity for honest conversations about mental health and suicide."


The pilot is a grassroots program developed by KAATA, which is re-applying the skills and experience it has gained through engaging Aboriginal students in education to suicide prevention.


Fact File

• On average, one person loses their life to suicide each day in WA
• For support, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or beyondblue 1300 22 4636