The Territory Labor Government is working to deliver its promise on reducing the suicide rates in the NT, with a second round of 29 grants being awarded this financial year. 

A total of $200 000 in grants has been allocated ranging from $1,000 - $10,000, with a focus on community-based activities.

Thamarrur Development Corporation in Wadeye, is using their $10,000 grant to run an Aboriginal Men’s Health & Wellness Camps, similar to one in Alice Springs where Tangentyere Council run the “Men Can Get Support” project.

Tennant Creek’s Time and Place Consulting & Collaboration group will be running the Tennant Creek Archive of Hope, Strengthen and Resilience: Women Stories; similarly in East Arnhem Land, a Resilience Workshop and Fashion Show run by Rachel Baker.

In Palmerston, Come Walk with Me NT has been provided with $4,000 to deliver their World Suicide Prevention Day walk event, where Territorians honour loved ones lost to suicide and increase awareness of the statistics and the devastation that suicide causes.

Territory wide, the Australian Sports Medicine Federation will be offering SafeTalk Training for 15 accredited Sports Trainers, making sure our kids are receiving positive messages in sports.

Over the next 10 years, The Territory Labor Government is working to deliver its promise to reduce the suicide rate by half.

A list of successful recipients is available at https://health.nt.gov.au/health-governance/suicide-prevention-strategy-review

Quotes from the Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:

“Suicide affects our whole community. Almost every week in the Northern Territory, a person takes their own life – and leaves behind family and friends, and a broader community, grieving for the life that tragically ended too soon.”

“The suicide prevention grants are an important way to continue supporting our community members who work to save lives.”

“We encourage members of the community to attend workshops around their region, whether it be to connect with someone, listen to stories, or just be around a supportive group.”

“Localised projects like these support our communities at the grassroots level, ensuring that family, friends and the wider community can become a support network for those most at risk."

Quotes from the Assistant Minister for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health and Disabilities, Ngaree Ah Kit:

“These grants support a range of programs and activities right across the Territory, from resilience programs in sport to community camps and workshops that can be critical to preventing suicide and supporting our most vulnerable community members.

“Community approaches are often the best way in assisting people to overcome their obstacles and encourage those who need help to ask for it.”

Media contact: Cameron Angus 0404 021 192