- Cook Labor Government expanding mental health and suicide preventionsupport for WA workers through $4 million Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Program Support Fund
- New initiatives to extend support to workers across a broader range of high-risk industries and occupations
- MATES in Construction and Steering Healthy Minds to continue their established suicide prevention programs
- Cook Labor Government providing more support for mental health
The Cook Labor Government is expanding mental health and suicide prevention support for Western Australian workers through the $4 million Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Program Support Fund.
Administered by the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety in partnership with the Mental Health Commission, the program will support targeted initiatives that respond to specific needs of workers in industries and occupations at greater risk of suicide.
Following the initial funding of MATES in Construction WA and the Steering Healthy Minds program, two further initiatives will broaden the reach of the Support Fund.
WA Workers Connect will provide non-clinical early support, workplace outreach and referral assistance for workers across industries including agriculture, fisheries, forestry, civil construction, road maintenance, resources, mining, oil and gas.
Curtin University’s Future of Work Institute will deliver Thrive at Work for workers to develop resources to help workers and worker representatives to identify job-related contributors to psychological distress so they can take early action and connect with appropriate support.
Together, the four initiatives offer a range of support services, including training, peer support, early help, outreach, referrals and practical resources tailored to the workers and industries involved.
As stated by Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk:
“These initiatives recognise that effective suicide prevention needs to reflect the industries, workplaces and people it is designed to support.
“MATES in Construction and Steering Healthy Minds have built strong connections within their industries, and this funding allows that important work to continue.
“WA Workers Connect and Thrive at Work for Workers will extend that support to more Western Australian workers and provide new ways to identify risks, access help earlier and connect people with appropriate support.
“The Cook Labor Government is committed to making Western Australian workplaces safer and supporting practical approaches that help prevent psychological harm and work-related suicide.”
As stated by Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
“Workplaces are an important setting for suicide prevention and early intervention because they give us the opportunity to reach people through trusted networks and support before they reach crisis point.
“These initiatives recognise that different industries face different pressures and that support is most effective when it is relevant to and accessible by the workers who need it.
“I’m pleased to see the Support Fund continuing to grow and extending practical mental health and suicide prevention support to more workers across Western Australia.”
