The SafeTALK Education Initiative, supported by a grant from FFV, is making a significant impact on the mental health landscape of the Mornington Peninsula. Run by local charity Mental Health Safety Net, this initiative equips Year 10 students at public schools with the vital skills to recognise and assist peers who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide or mental health challenges.
The need for this education is urgent. With 49 young people lost to suicide in the region this year alone, and a broader upward trend in Victoria’s suicide rates, intervention and support at an early stage are critical. The SafeTALK program steps in to address this pressing need by empowering young people with practical tools that help them identify signs of distress, initiate meaningful conversations, and know where to direct individuals for professional help.
This initiative, which has already educated 945 students, is creating lasting change by equipping young people with the tools they need to identify and support those struggling with mental health challenges.
The program's core achievements include:
Training delivered to seven high schools: Year 10 students in seven public and private schools have undergone SafeTALK training, gaining essential skills to recognise signs of distress in their peers.
Increased understanding of mental health: Students now better understand mental health issues and can recognise warning signs within the school environment.
Building confidence to support others: The training has empowered students to feel confident in engaging with those who may be struggling.
Creating networks of trusted individuals: SafeTALK has established a network of trusted adults within schools, providing students with clear pathways to seek further help for themselves or others.
Fostering emotional support: By training students to offer emotional support to their peers, the program lays the foundation for a more supportive and inclusive environment.
The funding covered the costs of essential materials and qualified trainers. The SafeTALK Education Initiative aligns strongly with the Foundation’s mission to make a lasting, positive impact on Victorian communities. The impact of SafeTALK goes beyond individual schools. By educating nearly 1,000 students in suicide prevention, the initiative is contributing to broader goals of reducing suicide rates, combating stigma, and encouraging early intervention before mental health struggles reach crisis levels. Feedback from schools has been overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting an 80% increase in students' willingness to engage with someone in distress—evidence of the program's success in building empathy and actionable knowledge.
Looking ahead, the success of the initiative has set the stage for future growth, with plans to expand the program in 2025 to ensure more students gain access to these life-saving skills. a community that is alert, engaged, and empowered to tackle mental health issues head-on.
