RAW - Rural Alive and Well Program

1. Project Profile

Project Name(s)	RAW - Rural Alive and Well Program
Funded Organisation	Rural Alive and Well Inc
Geographical Area	Local
State/Territory	Tasmania
Approach(es)	Selected
Individual/Group	Individual and Group
LIFE Action Areas	Improving the evidence base and understanding of suicide prevention Building individual resilience and the capacity for self-help Improving community strength, resilience and capacity in suicide prevention Taking a coordinated approach to suicide prevention Providing targeted suicide prevention activities Implementing standards and quality in suicide prevention
Target Groups	People bereaved by suicide Men Children Youth Indigenous populations People living with a mental illness People who have previously attempted suicide People who have self harmed Rural and remote communities LGBTI populations Refugee communities Older people People living with an alcohol or other drug problem Whole of community Workforce People affected by workforce redundancies People affected by natural disasters

2. Project Description

The aim of the RAW projects is to provide effective and timely early intervention policies and programs that reduce the incidence of suicide and promote help seeking avenues for individuals, families and communities, experiencing mental health and welfare issues.

The objectives of the project are to:

• Establish structures and networks to assist men, their families and communities to deal with suicide and related issues and to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness
• Provide support and assistance to communities, to assist them to respond to crises and to cope or recover after adversity including counselling for men and their families at risk of mental health problems and suicide
• Expand the promotion of mental health and suicide awareness/prevention through education, the media and at community events and forums
• Harness the cooperation and good will of key leaders in communities, local community services and support groups to respond to suicidality and continue to develop and foster partnerships with other agencies/service providers to facilitate multi-level services to communities and identify any service gaps

3. Activities

• Facilitating ongoing relationships with key people in communities
• Developing and/or implementing group activities and programs
• Building and maintaining relationships with media sources to promote and market the project
• Producing and distributing a regular newsletter and contributing to existing local newsletters
• Providing individuals and the community with relevant information promoting other forms of suicide intervention
• Workers liaise with local and visiting health workers and service providers to assist with identification of clients
• Workers consult with the service group, community group, local industry and relevant individuals
• Conducting outreach visits
• Establishing and maintaining effective referral systems in consultation with other service providers.
• Identifying appropriate mental health and suicide awareness training that meet the needs of health professionals and rural workers
• Identifying and developing appropriate links with service providers and organisations to maximise service delivery
• Attending meetings with groups such as Rural Network Tasmania and Midland Matters to identify mental health issues and create suicide awareness
• Promote the program through media, forums, events, newsletters and fact sheets where appropriate
• Developing a comprehensive web-site about the program with links to other service providers and organisations Top of page

4. Funding

• Round 1
  • NSPP funding
    • 2006/07 - not applicable
    • 2007/08 - not applicable
    • 2008/09 - not applicable
  • % project funding - not applicable
• Round 2
  • NSPP funding
    • 2009/10 - $335,300
    • 2010/11 - $177,000
  • % project funding - 100%
• Round 3
  • NSPP funding
    • 2011/12 - $281,273
    • 2012/13 - $306,849
  • % project funding - 100%

5. Staffing

• Round 1 (2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09)
  • Number staff positions funded (FTE) - not applicable
  • Number staff positions filled (FTE) - not applicable
• Round 2 (2009/10, 2010/11)
  • Number staff positions funded (FTE) - 2.3
  • Number staff positions filled (FTE) - 2.3
• Round 3 (2011/12, 2012/13)
  • Number staff positions funded (FTE) - 2.5
  • Number staff positions filled (FTE) - 2.5