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South Australia’s Chief Psychiatrist, Dr John Brayley, said the South Australian Suicide Prevention Community Grant Scheme (SASPCGS) will support the groups to raise awareness, break down stigma, and increase connections within the community that can save lives.
“Suicide impacts the whole community and we need to find ways to support the vulnerable and those bereaved by suicide in our community,” Dr Brayley said.
“The SASPCGS empowers non-government organisations and community groups to deliver important localised suicide prevention projects across the state, which in the past have played an important part in helping to prevent suicide.
“The grants have been issued in line with the new South Australian Suicide Prevention Plan 2017-2021, which includes the commitment of $150,000 grants annually to make people a priority and empowers communities.”
The successful suicide prevention projects are required to be undertaken between 1 July 2018 and 31 June 2019.
2018 South Australian Suicide Prevention Community Grant Scheme recipients:
Focus One
Focus One Health will run ‘Exploring the Seasons of Grief’ courses for grieving families in the Limestone Coast region. This will build resilience, foster wellbeing and equip individuals with effective skills to manage change, loss and grief.
National Trust, Glencoe Branch
The Glencoe Branch has partnered with SANE, the Wattle Range Council, and The Office of the Chief Psychiatrist to host an event to raise awareness and provide support. The National Blade Shearing Competition and Rural Suicide Awareness will be held in March 2019.
Match Studio, University of South Australia
Match Studio facilitated a project for University of South Australia students to develop communication tools to deal with mental health. The program will distribute a card game called ‘Deal With It’ and themed teabags called ‘Amitea’ to selected psychologists in South Australia free of charge.
SOS Copper Coast Suicide Prevention Network (SPN)
The SOS Copper Coast SPN will implement a Self-Harm Minimisation Program for young females. This will initiate conversations in schools and provide useful resources, as well as provide a safe space for the local youth.
The Station Community Mental Health Centre Inc
The Station Community Mental Health Centre will increase community understanding of suicide through a co-designed venture with the Point Pearce Aboriginal Community. This includes the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Project.
Treasuring Life Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Network (SPN)
The Treasuring Life Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander SPN will implement a three-day workshop for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth called ‘My Life Counts’ to build resilience and develop community relationships for participants.
Talk Out Loud Suicide Prevention Network (SPN)
The Talk Out Loud SPN runs Empowerment Camps for Young People. These camps will use group challenges and activities to develop relationships, teach skills in expressing emotions and understanding suicide and suicide loss.
Let’s Talk Onkaparinga Suicide Prevention Network (SPN)
The Let’s Talk Onkaparinga SPN is creating a Connect with Nature Project. This will allow individuals to collect, absorb and meditate to improve mental health.
Mobile Minimisation of Suicide Harm (MOSH)
The Mobile MOSH program provides a mobile service that is accessible, free and approachable to reach more members of the community. The program will use a caravan to provide support to regional and remote communities.
Whyalla Suicide Prevention Network (SPN)
The Whyalla SPN will implement a large scale public art project to promote resilience. The art piece will encourage community participation and engage a group of local creatives to write, illustrate and produce the ‘World’s Largest Comic’.
Empowering Lower Eyre Suicide Prevention Network Inc
The Empowering Lower Eyre SPN will host a motivational guest speaker event and train committee members to upskill and become facilitators for mental health programs
Minimisation of Suicide Harm (MOSH)
MOSH Community Training for Volunteers in Mental Health First Aid for the Suicidal Person aims to provide training to 50 members of the community. This course enables participants to offer practical help and support to those experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Silent Ripples
The Silent Ripples program provides healing workshops for bereaved persons including drum making, art therapy, bush walks and massage or relaxation workshops. The workshops will allow individuals to connect with others while learning new skills.
Point Pearce Aboriginal Community Centre
The Point Pearce Aboriginal Community Centre Prison Outreach Pilot Project will assist prisoners experiencing suicidal thoughts. It will remove barriers and teach skills to prisoners at Port Augusta Prison, Murray Bridge Prison and Yatala Prison Adelaide.
Mid North Suicide Prevention Network (SPN)
The Mid North Community SPN will host a local Suicide Prevention Awareness event with guest speakers to raise suicide awareness. The event will provide resources, encourage helpful conversations and provide access to support services.
GriefLink
GriefLink is an online resource for those who are bereaved or grieving. The online information will be enhanced to provide information and support options to suit those who have been affected through suicide.
The South East Junction Mental Health Activity and Resource Centre Inc
The South East Junction Mental Health Activity and Resource Centre Inc facilitates Lifeboat South East. This group consists of volunteers with lived experience who educate and provide support to people at risk or have been impacted by suicide.
Golden Grove High School
Golden Grove High School will host a ‘Positive Growth Mindset Day’ for Year 9 students over two days. This program will support positive relationships and connections with their teachers.
For more information, visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/suicidepreventiongrants