ReachOut.com by Inspire Foundation today welcomed the Federal Government’s extension of funding to existing mental health services funded under the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, saying that it provided the mental health and suicide prevention sectors with the security and capacity to continue collaboration into 2014-15.
 
"The Government's decision to extend funding helps deliver the mental health sector the security we need to continue to deliver vital suicide prevention programs," said Jonathan Nicholas, CEO of ReachOut.com by Inspire Foundation.
 
"This funding will enable the mental health sector to plan confidently and collaborate across services in the coming year, whilst we eagerly await the recommendations of the National Mental Health Commission’s national review," he added.
 
ReachOut.com Professionals, a sister service of ReachOut.com which assists professionals to use technologies to support the mental health of young people they work with, will receive a further $250 000 funding as a result of the Government's decision.
 
"With the latest statistics showing that youth suicide rates have increased in recent years, the role ReachOut.com Professionals plays in building the capacity of teachers, youth workers and other mental health professionals to young people's mental health needs is more critical than ever," said Nicholas.
 
Funded by the Department of Health, ReachOut.com Professionals provides teaching resources about using ReachOut.com, reviews of wellbeing apps, webinars and information about mental health issues, all designed to make it easier for teachers and youth support workers to build young people's skills for dealing with difficult times.
 
"We look forward to working with the Department of Health on this grant extension, and to continuing the important service delivered via ReachOut.com Professionals," added Nicholas.
 
 
About ReachOut.com
 
ReachOut.com is Australia’s leading online youth mental health service. Designed to help young people under 25 tackle everything from finding motivation to getting through really tough times, the service provides practical tools, forums and information in a safe and anonymous online environment.
 
ReachOut.com is the help young people need, where and when they need it.
 
Media contacts
 
Doug Millen
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
doug@inspire.org.au
0425 865 851
 
Mick Garnett
Director of Marketing and Communications
michael@inspire.org.au
0499 977 123