
New online and face-to-face resources are part of a national and territory strategy to support mental health. Photo: Annie Spratt.
CONTENT WARNING: This story refers to suicide and domestic and family violence.
The ACT Government has launched an online program that aims to support families, friends and carers of people who are suffering from suicidal distress.
The new program called Minds Together was developed by charity Everymind and provides information on support services and resources available to carers.
Everymind director Dr Jaelea Skehan said people needed to look after their own wellbeing to be an effective support for those in mental distress.
“Minds Together has been designed with people who have a lived experience of suicide and provides family, friends and carers with the information and confidence to support someone experiencing suicidal distress while also looking after their own wellbeing,” she said.
“Combining online learning and face-to-face supports, the program provides practical information and tools that people can immediately apply in their own lives.”
The charity says looking after friends and families during a mental health crisis is not an easy job.
There are 3000 deaths by suicide nationally each year and charity support service Lifeline is on the frontline of prevention.
CEO Carrie Lesson said suicide prevention could carry a huge emotional weight.
“It’s something we acknowledge openly at Lifeline Canberra and it’s exactly why we have such a strong focus on training and ongoing support for our volunteers. That is critical in this line of work, indeed for anyone caring for individuals in crisis,” she said.
“Self-care is absolutely vital in this work. We talk about it constantly because we know that to be there for others in their darkest moments, our volunteers need to feel supported, safe and connected themselves.”
The Minds Together program has been funded jointly through the ACT and Commonwealth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement which is aimed at addressing gaps and improving mental health support locally and nationally.
The ACT has committed to spending $4.2 million over 2025/26 to support mental health in the capital.
At the launch of the program, Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said one of the key difficulties had been creating an integrated system of mental health care.
“There are many complexities and challenges that friends, families and carers navigate when supporting those in suicidal distress, or after a suicide attempt,” she said.
“The Minds Together program provides free access to information, lived experience stories and targeted low-intensity modules to help support people when they are supporting someone who is experiencing suicidal distress or has attempted suicide.”
The government is also holding an inquiry into men’s suicide rates, which is open for public submissions until 8 August.
The Committee on Social Policy will look at how suicide rates are being impacted and how the government can address it through the promotion of positive health behaviour and increased access to mental health services.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 or
MensLine Australia 1300 789 978.