By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
ALARMING suicide rates are an issue that affects the entire community, according to La Trobe MP Jason Wood.
Mr Wood announced recently that he is lobbying for a Headspace facility to be built at the Belgrave Health Hub as part of a push to reduce the impact of suicides.
In an address to parliament on 21 October to recognise the immense toll of suicide on communities and to acknowledge that the government must do all it can to minimise the impact, he said that organisations such as Headspace made a real difference in reducing rates of suicide.
“Headspace is a vital part of our youth mental health strategy. The help they provide for young people who can go through tough times is invaluable.”
Suicide is a leading cause of death in Australia for men under the age of 44 and women under the age of 34, and one in every 10,000 Australians take their own life. Mr Wood said it was important that young people in the Belgrave area had access to mental health services.
“I’m working very hard to get a Headspace facility in the Belgrave Health Hub. This is a major priority for me and the Dandenong Ranges.”
Mr Wood also announced that a Headspace facility would be opened at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre. He said this new push backed up the ‘Hotspots’ program, where safety barriers were installed at areas of train track identified to be suicide risks.
“The government’s Hotspots program is an excellent example of the practical measures to reduce suicide hotspots through the implementation of capital works.”
Mr Wood encouraged those suffering depression or anxiety to seek the help of organisations such as Beyond blue, Lifeline, the Black Dog Institute, SANE Australia and Headspace.
“We need to get people who suffer with depression and anxiety to seek help. You see, depression and anxiety can be managed to a certain extent.
“But to do so, we all need to recognise troublesome depression and anxiety when it presents itself.”
Anyone needing to seek help should not hesitate to contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
