The number of young Australians calling Kids Helpline seeking urgent care relating to suicide intervention has significantly increased over the past year.
Tracy Adams, chief executive of youth-focused mental health support organisation Yourtown, which operates the helpline, said they provided 4608 duty of care interventions between July 2022 to June 2023.
Of the interventions, about half were undertaken where young people were at immediate risk of suicide and required emergency intervention.
“This is higher than we have ever experienced,” Adams said.
A duty of care intervention is where the service contacts police, child safety or ambulance when a child or young person is deemed to be at imminent risk.
Adams said suicide-related contacts, particularly in Victoria, have also increased from 14.5 per cent to 17.5 per cent from 2018 to 2022.
She hoped raising awareness of suicide, along with understanding the resources available would reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts by children and young children.
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“Early intervention is critical,” Adams said.
“With timely intervention, young people experiencing mental distress and suicidal ideations may be able to bounce back.
“We need to have children and young people stay connected, and as a community, we need to continue to normalise help-seeking.
“Each and every one of us can play a role in suicide prevention.
“We can create hope for young people by reaching out and showing that we care, and I encourage all people to take the opportunity today to do so.”
Readers seeking support can contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
