The suicide rates for Indigenous children in Australia continue to be amongst the highest in the world, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged between 15 and 24 are almost four times more likely to commit suicide than non-Indigenous people the same age, according to the ABS. Despite The Westerman Jilya Institute’s best efforts, it’s still failing to fund the depth and breadth of suicide prevention activities required and to ensure that Indigenous communities have access to the clinically and culturally competent services they need. That’s why each year, Jilya runs a fundraising event to raise money for the Dr Tracy Westerman Indigenous Psychology Scholarship Program.
Mark spoke with Dr Westerman on the Breakfast Show.
If you require support or a chat, help is available. You can call the Aboriginal & Torrest Strait Islander support line, Thirteen YARN, on 13 92 76 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.