10,000 GATEKEEPERS TO PROVIDE SUICIDE PREVENTION SUPPORT

A legion of ‘Gatekeepers’ will help protect communities across NSW, with over 10,000 volunteers in high-risk populations and industries being trained in suicide prevention.

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the NSW Government was pleased to deliver the first initiative of the Towards Zero Suicides Premier’s Priority with a $2.8 million investment in community Gatekeeper training over three years.

More than half of all gatekeepers will be in regional areas, while other communities that will be supported with trained volunteers will include construction workers, First Responders, indigenous communities, family lawyers, men between 18 and 35 years, veterinarians and LGBTIQ communities.

Gatekeeper training will be provided by 13 organisations with expertise in engaging at-risk communities in specific regions.

Wellways has been funded by the NSW Ministry of Health to deliver the new Suicide Prevention Community Gatekeeper Training initiative throughout the Murrumbidgee region.

If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 or one of the following services: Lifeline (13 11 14), Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467), NSW Mental Health Line (1800 011 511).

More information about can be found here.