Media Statement

Thursday, 1 April, 2004

Turner applauds suicide prevention move

United Future health spokeswoman Judy Turner is delighted that the Government has heeded United Future's calls for suicide prevention initiatives to be extended to cover not only youth, but all age groups.

"While the progress made in turning around our tragic record of youth suicide statistics has been significant and must continue, we have known for some time that the group with the highest numbers of suicide are those aged 20 to 24 years", Mrs Turner said.

"I challenged the Government to move on this issue last year and stressed United Future's concern that preventative efforts do not ignore the pressing needs of those outside the youth category."

In commending the success of initiatives such as the Like Minds, Like Mine campaign in helping to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health problems, Mrs Turner called for the Government to up its efforts in achieving its goals for developing national mental health services.

"Only two-thirds of the Government's target for the provision of community mental health services has been met.

"We urgently need to invest resources to establish the right mix and number of services for our communities, but also recognise and use the opportunities that exist for addressing mental health concerns and preventing suicide at a primary care level.

Ends.

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