Suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15–24 years and historically, male suicide rates have been three to four times higher than for females.
This is why the recent funding boost for one-on-one therapeutic program, aiming to prevent suicide among young men aged 14–18 across the Northern Rivers is so important.
Human Nature, who provide mental health support to young people in the Far North Coast of NSW who otherwise wouldn’t be able to access it, have received a $48,045 grant towards its program working with young men in the region.
This funding will support 135 individual therapeutic sessions for young men facing complex mental health challenges, including suicidal thoughts, trauma, and social isolation.
Research from the Ten to Men longitudinal study shows that young men with depressive symptoms are significantly more likely to engage in harmful behaviours, including increased suicide risk and, in many cases, use of violence. It also highlights that social support and strong relationships – particularly with positive male role models – are critical protective factors.
‘Human Nature’s strength lies in our ability to connect with young men authentically, offering highly individualised therapy and mentoring support outside of clinical settings,’ commented Human Nature CEO, Jen Parke.
‘Recognising the connections between depression, violence, and suicidality, we are deeply committed to tackling these complex challenges. This grant allows us to reach and support more young men, preventing them from escalating to crisis.’
This program will also provide wraparound case management and referrals to education, employment, and health services, helping to strengthen each young person’s foundation for a hopeful, connected future.
‘We know that suicide is still the leading cause of death among young men in Australia,’ adds Andy Hamilton, Founder and psychologist at Human Nature.
‘By stepping in early and surrounding young people with support, we can reduce risk and help them build resilience.’
This program will use Human Nature’s unique outreach model, which combines evidence-based therapy and mentoring with outdoor experiences like fishing and bushwalking and individualised therapeutic interventions to address suicide risk factors and behaviours in men aged 14-18 over a nine month period.
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