State Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said the ‘Bright Minds, Connected Communities’ initiative would provide targeted resources for young people dealing with a mental health crisis or suicide attempt.

The program will also provide training for high school teachers to better identify and respond to the mental health issues of students.

“The initiative was developed by the Lake Macquarie community and will see a significant amount of collaboration between a number of organisations, the local health district and primary health networks in the Lake Macquarie area,” Mr Piper said.

“It’s so encouraging to see local groups come up with local solutions to give our young people a helping hand.

“It’s also very pleasing to see the government targeting more funding into this important area, and particularly to community-based organisations.”

The funding has been made available through a state-wide suicide prevention fund.

Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies said the fund helped non-government organisations prevent suicide in local communities and was part of a record $1.8 billion annual investment in mental health care.

“While suicide prevention is an issue for everyone in our communities, we know many people at risk of suicide and self-harm will not always come into contact with mental health professionals,” she said.

“The Suicide Prevention Fund is part of a range NSW government initiatives aimed at lowering the rate of suicide. It is a key part of our decade-long whole-of- government enhancement of mental health care.”

Lifeline said suicide and suicidal behaviours bring with them massive human, social and economic impacts.

“Every day in Australia, more than seven people die by suicide and a further 160 per day are admitted to hospital after a suicide attempt,” a spokesperson for Lifeline Hunter Central Coast said.

If you or someone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 131 114 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.