The campaign to find urgent financial support for a program to help at-risk young people in Peel has been dealt a blow, with mental health minister Andrea Mitchell ruling out funding from the Mental Health Commission.
Ms Mitchell, who took the role earlier in April after the dumping of former minister Helen Morton, said the Mental Health Commission told her GP down south’s 3 Tier Youth Mental Health Program would only duplicate services that already exist.
“The Mental Health Commission has youth services and a youth crisis response mechanism in place with coordinated action by Departments of Health and Education and Youth Focus,” she said.
“I’m advised by the commission that GP down south will not be funded by the commission as it would, for the most part, be a duplication of existing services already funded in line with the Suicide Prevention 2020 strategy.”
The 3-Tier program, which would include presentations from former Fremantle Dockers player Heath Black, offers workshops and counselling for at-risk students and young people.
Community concerns have grown in Mandurah over the last few weeks, with a number of self-harm incidents including suicides said to be increasing since December 2015.
GP down south have been contacted for comment.
Support is available for anyone who may be distressed by calling Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; Lifeline 131 114; beyondblue 1300 22 46 36.
