{"id":7826,"date":"2020-08-24T07:28:53","date_gmt":"2020-08-24T07:28:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/?p=7826"},"modified":"2020-08-24T07:28:53","modified_gmt":"2020-08-24T07:28:53","slug":"new-suicide-prevention-counsellors-to-help-safeguard-rural-communities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/2020\/08\/24\/new-suicide-prevention-counsellors-to-help-safeguard-rural-communities\/","title":{"rendered":"NEW SUICIDE PREVENTION COUNSELLORS TO HELP SAFEGUARD RURAL COMMUNITIES"},"content":{"rendered":"

15 full-time equivalent specialist counsellors will be deployed across rural NSW to help prevent suicide, with the first two counsellors starting in the Eurobodalla and Snowy Mountains regions.
\nNSW Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor said the relatively high rates of suicide in rural areas are devastating families and communities, and the $6.75 million investment will add another layer of help.
\n\u201cMany factors can contribute to suicide, from domestic violence, to relationship issues or unemployment, to stress and hardship,\u201d Mrs Taylor said.
\n\u201cThese specialist mental health counsellors are there on the ground to support people thinking of suicide or impacted by suicide, and I encourage communities across the state to lean on them for support.\u201d
\nDirector Mental Health Drug and Alcohol for Southern NSW Local Health District Damien Eggleton said he wants more people to ask for help when they need it.
\n\u201cOur rural communities have proven beyond a doubt they\u2019re resilient and fearless when faced with adversity, whether that be geographic isolation, searing drought or the impact of the current pandemic \u2013 but they don\u2019t need to go it alone,\u201d Mr Eggleton said.
\n\u201cThe support provided by these counsellors will complement the peer work and drought support provided by our Farm Gate Counsellors and Drought Counsellors.\u201d
\nRural counsellor Samara Byrne said she wants young people to know there are people you can turn to when feeling overwhelmed with life or feeling like a burden on others.
\n\u201cWe are here for you and here to listen if you are feeling distressed, anxious or a burden to loved ones. The service is easily accessible through the Mental Health Line; just ask for the Rural Counsellor.\u201d
\n\u201cHaving moved from Sydney in 2016 to our beautiful farm in SNSW, I am so pleased to be able to do what I am most passionate about, supporting people\u2019s wellbeing in Rural Australia and building on the natural local community resilience\u201d.
\nMinister Taylor urges people in the bush to get help by contacting these rural counsellors.
\n\u201cSupport is available, all you need to do is pick up the phone and make an appointment by calling the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.\u201d
\nThe 15 rural counselling positions are part of the Towards Zero Suicides; a $87 million investment over three years in new suicide prevention initiatives. A NSW Premier\u2019s Priority, this is a whole-of-government commitment to transforming the way we identify and support anyone impacted by suicide.
\nIf you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately in a life-threatening situation by calling 000 or seek support though one of these services:<\/p>\n