Murray MP Seeks Support For New Youth Suicide Prevention In Griffith

Griffith’s local state MP, Helen Dalton is seeking support from businesses and community members to help launch a youth suicide prevention program in the region.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia recruits and screens adult volunteers to mentor vulnerable young people aged between seven and 17 years of age, meeting with them regularly to provide encouragement and support.

The organisation successfully runs programs in rural and metropolitan Victoria, Greater Sydney and Canberra and has now reached out to Mrs Dalton looking to expand their services into the Riverina.

“The program organisers got in touch with me in May, when I put out the call for help just after our region had experienced three tragic teenage suicides in the space of two weeks,” Mrs Dalton said.

“I wanted to hear of people’s experiences of mental health support in the region, as well as ideas for change.

“Our office received over a thousand messages and phone calls.

“It was clear from feedback that there is a lack of ongoing one-on-one support for vulnerable young people.

“So we would welcome a program like Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia (BBBSA) starting up in our region.”

Young people in rural communities are disproportionately impacted by challenging events such as drought, bushfires and now COVID-19.

BBBSA NSW state manager, Alexander Radcliffe said their focus was the well-being and empowerment of young people across Australia.

“We are here to advocate for them and help them create meaningful connections,” Ms Radcliffe said.

“By connecting a young person with a positive role model we don’t just support the young person, but offer support to their families, teachers and community.

“Most of our referrals come from single-parent homes where parents/guardians are struggling. Our mentors offer a bridge so that young people don’t have to feel alone or isolated and can turn to a trustworthy adult for support.

“We are the world’s largest mentoring network and have an evidence-based system focused on being child safe, inclusive and empowering to young people.

“Our programs are focused on early-intervention to support young people with their mental and emotional wellbeing.”

Mrs Dalton said that BBBSA had recruited a number of volunteer mentors and had a good skill-base to launch in our region, but they needed funding to employ organisers and set up an office in Griffith.

“Given the very high rate of youth suicide in the Griffith area, it would be great to get this initiative off the ground,” she said.

Businesses or individuals keen to sponsor the initiative or assist with advocacy and fundraising wanting to know more should email Helen Dalton at murray@parliament.nsw.gov.au or phone her Griffith office on (02) 6962 6644.

• Topics:

• Local Economy / Business
• Community
• Charities & Good Causes
• Volunteering
• Mental Health and Welbeing