Mental health support after domestic violence
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Suicide prevention funds to train workers in mental health first aid mental health support for women escaping family and domestic violence.Training will be provided in the south east metropolitan area to help staff working with women experiencing or escaping family and domestic violence.
On 28 April, Mental Health Minister Helen Morton announced a $10,000 grant to Starick Services Inc as one of 37 projects in more than 30 communities funded in the latest round of the One Life WA Suicide Prevention Small Grants.
"These grants bring the total investment by the State Government in suicide prevention small grants to more than $800,000 since July 2014," Mrs Morton said.
Starick Services will use their One Life WA grant to train more than 20 staff in mental health first aid.
The Minister said violence against women was one of the key factors influencing the development of mental illness and it was critical staff working with affected women and their families knew how to support their client's mental health.
"As a family and domestic violence service operating in the eastern metropolitan corridor with two refuges, a transitional housing program, counselling and outreach support, Starick Services works with people who are at high risk of mental illness and suicidal behaviour," she said.
"Staff trained in mental health first aid will be more responsive and more proactive in their work with women who have a mental health issue, including making appropriate referrals to specialist services as appropriate."
For a full list of funded projects, visit http://www.onelifewa.com.au