Healthy boost for vital Aboriginal youth service

AN ABORIGINAL support organisation will bolster its suicide prevention program after receiving state government funding.

Geelong service Strong Brother Strong Sister empowers young Aboriginal people through support programs such as mentoring, youth groups and cultural support to help them achieve their life goals.

A $250,000 state contribution will provide young people in crisis with greater access to specialist services and referrals.

Suicide is the top cause of death among Indigenous youth, with Strong Brother Strong Sister assisting 189 young people and their families with wellbeing supports.

The investment will enable the service to retain and continue upskilling its two Aboriginal peer workers.

“We’re proud to support the work of Strong Brother Strong Sister, which is helping young first nations people recognise and overcome mental health challenges and stay connected to their community and culture,” Geelong MP Christine Couzens said.

“Our dedicated mental health workers are the backbone of the system, and the Aboriginal peer workers do an incredible job supporting first nations youth in Geelong.”

The investment is part of more than $5 billion invested in Victoria’s mental health system in the past two State Budgets.

“A mental health and wellbeing system that provides culturally safe and inclusive care ensures the best possible support for all Victorians with mental illness,” Acting Mental Health Minister Colin Brooks said.