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Youth Mental Health a key focus for the Sydney North region

Northern Sydney PHN reaffirms its commitment ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day

With intentional self-harm representing the greatest cause of death in 15-24 year olds in NSW[1], the Northern Sydney PHN is committed to improving primary mental healthcare services in the region.

In the lead up to World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, the Sydney North Health Network (SNHN) recently issued grants to local health services to help support this need. These grants will allow additional psychological services to be targeted to vulnerable groups in the community.

“Suicide prevention is a key focus for SNPHN, and is one of six mental health priorities for Primary Health Networks nationally,” said Sydney North Health Network’s CEO, Lynelle Hales.

“We have identified suicide and self-harm as a major mental health issue in the Northern Sydney region, particularly among young people aged 15-19.”

In the Sydney North PHN region, on average approximately two young Australians in this age group present at an emergency department every day with suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or self-harm[2].

To learn more please read the full MEDIA RELEASE.

[1] SNPHN Needs Assessment Report 2016/2017, p. 60, https://sydneynorthhealthnetwork.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/SNHN-Needs-Assessment-Report-2016.pdf
[2] SNPHN Needs Assessment Report 2016/2017, p. 59, https://sydneynorthhealthnetwork.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/SNHN-Needs-Assessment-Report-2016.pdf