A new program launched by Headspace, Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation, and the Victorian Government, aims to equip teachers in Victoria with the skills to identify and intervene when they recognise that a student is suicidal.

Suicide remains the leading cause of death for young Australians, with the most recent statistics showing 143 young people took their own lives in 2012.  In Victoria, a growing number of teenagers are taking their own lives, particularly in Melbourne's outer suburbs.  Victorian authorities are in the dark about why the rate of youth suicide is increasing in that area.

The Headspace program called SAFEMinds, trains teachers, parents and school staff to recognise the signs when a young person is dealing with mental health issues, and to know how to help them to access professional support.

At the launch of SAFEMinds the Victorian Minister for Education Martin Dixon said that “the safety and well-being of students is our top priority, and we must do everything we can to support students coping with a mental health issue.”

The $750,000 program will be rolled out to 3,500 teachers across Victoria by the end of this year.  Parents and school staff will be able to access online and face-to-face training sessions in the second half of 2014.  SAFEMinds will complement the existing School Support Casey/Cardinia Community Initiative launched by the Victorian Government in 2013, which is also run by Headspace.

Mental health is an issue that is increasingly confronting young Australians and impacting school communities and Headspace recommends that the training program be adopted and implemented nationally.

Leave a comment if you are aware of any other positive initiatives in this space in your state or territory.

Support is available for anyone who may be interested in information on suicide prevention by phoning Lifeline 13 11 14; Mensline 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800.