Week highlights suicide prevention

10 OCTOBER 2016: Mental Health week, which starts today, is an opportunity to highlight the important suicide prevention work undertaken by individuals and organisations in North Queensland. After extensive lobbying to get a Headspace youth mental health centre in Mackay, that facility is now up and running and supporting young people in our community. But a Headspace on its own is not enough and I would like to acknowledge important volunteer organisations who have tackled this difficult issue with genuine commitment and compassion. Organisations like the Grapevine Group in Mackay and CORES QLD in the Burdekin (and elsewhere) have built strong links and support networks in the community.Suicide Prevention Networks now operate in both Mackay and Townsville, drawing together the different local groups and stakeholders with a view to uniting and coordinating their efforts. In addition, the Liberal National Government committed $24 million over three years to fund a further eight Suicide Prevention regional trial sites, which will bring the total to 12. I am pleased to see that locations for two of the new sites have been determined and one of those will be set up in Townsville. We must now make the most of this opportunity by highlighting the services available and encouraging friends and family with mental health issues to seek support. It is important for all of us, whatever our background, age or circumstances, to help each other to identify mental health issues and seek support.