Men's groups doing great work says Government Minister
The Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, the Hon Emma McBride MP, has spoken out about the important role that men's support groups play in suicide prevention.
"There are many groups doing great work to support men," she said.
Speaking at a suicide prevention event in Canberra on Tuesday (2 September), Ms McBride confirmed that the Government is investing over $1B in Medicare Mental Health Centres, headspace services and Youth Specialist Care Centres.
The Minister said:
"We're also investing in initiatives to support men's suicide prevention - understanding the unique impact on men and boys. There are many groups doing great work to support men and we are grateful to be learning from them about what works.
"We want to encourage men to seek help when they need it and to also make sure services are adapting to their needs."
Ms McBride also highlighted the appointment of her friend and colleague, Dan Repacholi, as the first Special Envoy for Men's Health.
- $225 million for 31 new and upgraded Medicare Mental Health Centres
- More than $200 million for 58 new, upgraded or expanded headspace services
- $500 million for 20 Youth Specialist Care Centres for young people with complex needs
- $90 million for more than 1,200 training places for mental health professionals and peer workers.
Ms McBride was speaking at the World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) breakfast in Parliament, hosted by Suicide Prevention Australia in the run up to WSPD, which takes place on Wednesday 10th September.
Speakers at the event included the co-chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of Suicide Prevention, Julian Leeser MP and Jo Briskey MP and the Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley MP.