Delivering vital mental health programs in the Kimberley is a high priority of youth organisation zero2hero, as suicide continues to be the leading cause of death for Aboriginal children in the area.
The Kimberley has the highest rates of hospitalisation for self-harm in those aged 0-24 in Western Australia.
zero2hero, a WA based youth mental health organisation that delivers preventative programs to young people, has recently been named as one of this year’s Telethon beneficiaries, with this new funding being allocated to placing a heavier focus on vulnerable young people in regional WA.
As part of a 12-month strategy, zero2hero aims to positively impact the mental health of more than 1,600 young people in the Kimberley in a three-phase rollout to provide mental health education well before crisis point.
The strategy includes a series of workshops at local schools, a free suicide prevention workshop, and sponsorships for young people to attend Camp Hero LEADERSHIP, a lifechanging program for young leaders.
Already this year, zero2hero has impacted 1,100 primary and high school students from Broome and Kununurra with dedicated school and Camp Hero programs, with more dedicated programs and safeTALK suicide alertness training scheduled for later in the year.
Partnerships and Fundraising Manager Oscar Wharton said access to mental health education in the North West was more critical than ever.
“We know the Kimberley is one of the most vulnerable regions in WA, due to its remote location that limits access to specialist health services” Mr Wharton said.
“Nothing is hurting young people more in the region than poor mental health. They are struggling to access basic mental health support despite suicide being the leading cause of death for young people.”
Mr Wharton said the school roadshows include remote Aboriginal communities and would be culturally responsive, engaging with Aboriginal engagement officers in schools as well as other mentors.
“Through our work so far, we have been focused on engaging with local service providers and those that support young people, to learn about current programs and how we can contribute to a collective impact approach and find ways we can fill the gaps.”
Throughout the year, 20 Kimberley students will be afforded scholarships to attend zero2hero’s flagship program, Camp Hero LEADERSHIP, to learn practical skills on how to positively support their mental health, as well as how to help others who may be struggling with their wellbeing or showing signs of taking their own life.
In early April, nine students attended the camp program, leaving as mental health leaders for their communities, with certified suicide prevention training.
Scarlett Boon-Shillinglaw, 15, was one of the Kimberley-based students who attended the camp, sharing that she felt empowered to return to her community as a lifesaving connector.
“This camp has taught me how to assist and support my friends and peers who may be struggling,” she said.
In August, zero2hero will also be delivering their free suicide prevention workshop, safeTALK, to train anyone in the region over the age of 15 interested in knowing how to recognise signs of suicidal thoughts in others and connect those in need with the appropriate help.
zero2hero is confident that the rollout of these initiations will provide “ripples of benefit” that will safeguard future generations.
“Once we have engaged young people in these programs, that learning stays with them,” he said.
“We know that the young person will share their learnings with their parents, their uncle, aunty, or footy coach. The indirect impact is huge.”
One in four young people have a mental illness and half of those illnesses develop before the age of 25.
“That is why youth education is so critical. Eighty per cent of young people will reach out to a friend first before they go to their school counsellor, before they go to their parents, before they call Lifeline or Beyond Blue. And if that friend isn’t equipped to handle that conversation then the outcome is critical,” he said.
Since starting 10 years ago, zero2hero has empowered more than 220,000 young people through mental health and suicide prevention education in WA.
In 2023, the charity empowered 32,507 young people, trained 611 students in suicide prevention, provided 20,680 students with mental health education and reached 246 WA high schools.
By Hearts and Minds
