Funding for Rural Alive and Well Tasmania

Tasmanian Government Media Release - 11 August 2008

A $145,000 grant for Rural Alive and Well Tasmania to provide mental health support to rural men and their families has been announced. The pilot project is the result of concerns in rural communities over emotional and physical trauma brought on by the pressures of drought and economic hardship.

Rural Alive and Well will operate in the ‘exceptional circumstances' drought areas encompassing the Southern Midlands and Central Highlands local government areas. The aim is to build the resilience and capacity of men, their families and the community to react to challenging life experiences.

The Alive and Well Tasmania Project will build on recognised strategies that address suicide awareness and prevention.

Strategies include:

• Employment of appropriately qualified workers to facilitate initial contact with hard-to-engage men and families requiring support and intervention
• Building of strong partnerships and collaboration with community groups, government and non-government organisations
• Fostering of ‘mateship' and a community caring and supporting each other
• Provision of one-on-one counselling
• Improved access to and provision of resources, support and services for people at risk
• Development of group sessions and workshops
• Linking existing services and filling any gaps in the system
• Ongoing training and development for community members and health professionals