Life in Mind welcomes two Indigenous initiatives announced today at Parliament House

Minister for Health the Hon. Greg Hunt has announced $5.5 million towards two Indigenous initiatives to support social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and the creation of a lived experience network to include a national representative voice for Indigenous people with lived experience of suicide. 

The initiatives were announced today at a Parliament House Poche Indigenous Health Network (PIHN) breakfast this morning, along with Ken Wyatt the Minister for Indigenous Australians.

The first initiative, Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia is a national independent and inclusive Indigenous social and emotional wellbeing, mental health and suicide prevention leadership body, encompassing cultural and clinical elements to benefit all the diverse communities.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Hon. Ken Wyatt has announced $1 million towards an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Network within the Black Dog Institute. This will provide a national representative voice for Indigenous people with lived experience of suicide.

Everymind Suicide Prevention Project Lead, Simon Pont who was in attendance at Parliament House today, said the significant focus on strengthening indigenous engagement in suicide prevention is pivotal if we want to see a reduction in suicide rates.

“These two announcements prioritise the voice of our First Nations people when it comes to their social and emotional mental health and well-being and an inclusive approach to suicide prevention.

“Life in Mind looks forward to sharing and providing updates on these in the future.”

To find out more on the announcement and the two initiatives, please read the below media release.