Coaches learn to spot warning signs
West Coast Fever and about 400 netball coaches will join the fight against youth suicide under a $100,000 State Government partnership with Netball WA.
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day yesterday, Mental Health Minister Helen Morton said the coaches would be trained in improving mental health and suicide prevention to support young women who needed help.
West Coast Fever coach Stacey Rosman and young defender Courtney Bruce will become ambassadors for the State's suicide prevention strategy OneLife to help get its message to WA's 18,000 netball players aged over 15.
Mrs Morton said the Government already had a similar arrangement with the WA Football Commission and the new partnership would help raise awareness of suicide prevention among young women.
She said the coaches would be trained to understand suicidal behaviour so they could be more confident in helping those at risk.
"There are more women who attempt suicide and have got serious issues around self-harming and suicidal ideation, but there are more men who actually die from suicide," Mrs Morton said.
Rosman said it was important to support players on and off the court. "You are not trying to be a psychologist . . . it's identifying behaviours and having tools to be able to approach that person and steer them in the right direction or just ask them how they actually are on the day," she said.
Mrs Morton also announced $240,000 in small grants for community suicide prevention initiatives.
If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.
