Rotary District 9800
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Youth Suicide Awareness
In Australia, young people are the only group whose health has not improved over the past three decades. Suicide is the largest single cause of death of teenagers, and represents 19% of all deaths between the ages of 10 and 24. Sadly for each reported suicide, there are more than twenty suicide attempts in this age group. Its causes remain perplexingly complex, but common risk factors can be identified. Many victims have experienced bullying at school. Most have never received any form of counseling. More than one third has experimented with illicit and prescribed drugs. Many have come into contact with the police. Significantly, more than half have experienced a recent break-up in a relationship with a boyfriend or girlfriend. More than 75% of all mental health problems manifest themselves before the age of twenty five, so it is critical that an approach based on early intervention is taken.
Many Rotary Clubs in District 9800 and beyond have acknowledged this need, providing financial support to the Centre for Adolescent Health where no fewer than 8 major research projects with immediate relevance to youth suicide are underway or have recently been completed.
This ground-breaking research informs staff providing a Graduate Diploma in Adolescent Health and Welfare for professionals who work directly with young people and who, at the completion of the two year program are better prepared to recognize, and deal with, the early warning signs of mental ill-health within the communities of young people with whom they work.
Since 1996, your Youth Suicide Awareness Committee has sought funding from Rotary Clubs for teachers, police officers, youth and social workers, school nurses and corrections officers to complete this course of study. The course is administered by the University of Melbourne and the Centre has close ties with the Royal Children’s Hospital. While the treatment of mental health illness is a key component of the work at the Centre, the emphasis is primarily on young people in the settings in which they live and work – not in psychiatric clinics. The Centre’s primary focus is upon early interventions, providing a holistic and practical approach that professionals can use in their work-places.
Since its inception in 1996, more than 120 graduates have received scholarships or financial support from Rotary. It is pleasing to report that more than 30 graduates are Victoria Police officers, many of whom have been supported by the Rotary Club of Central Melbourne Sunrise through the Silk-Miller Scholarship. The Rotary Clubs of Camberwell, Canterbury, Brighton North, Brighton Beach, Altona Central are among those who consistently make this a part of their New Generations’ spend. The Rotary Club of Brighton North is committing more than $30,000.00 to funding scholarships over the next three years and is seeking suitable candidates. It would like very much to support professionals who are working within indigenous communities in Victoria.
For a speaker or further information about how you can support this project, please contact Phil Wheatley on 0408 334 889 or Gerry Lambourne on 0429 949 916.
