Over 10,000 volunteer gatekeepers will be trained in suicide prevention to support high-risk populations, industries and communities across NSW.
The NSW Government will invest $2.8 million in community gatekeeper training over the next three years to deliver the first initiative of the Premier’s Priorities, Towards zero suicides.
The gatekeepers will learn how to recognise the signs if someone is at risk of suicide. They will help communities, workers, friends and families to stay safe and seek support.
The initiative will partner with 13 organisations across NSW to deliver gatekeeper training.
The gatekeepers will be trained with other volunteers to support:
- construction workers
- first responders
- indigenous communities
- family lawyers
- men aged between 18 and 35 years
- veterinarians
- LGBTIQ communities.
Over half of the 10,000 gatekeepers will locate to regional and rural NSW to provide care.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the NSW Government was pleased to deliver the first Towards zero suicides initiative.
“We know that over 40% of people who die by suicide have not reached out for professional support, so having gatekeepers throughout the community trained to help and support people in a crisis is critical in saving lives.”
Learn more about the community gatekeeper training.
