Change Makers: Pitching for Prevention

The Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) is seeking applications from community-based organisations, as part of the Targeted Regional Initiative for Suicide Prevention (TRISP) program to deliver community-led suicide prevention programs helping those who are at risk of suicide and to support mental wellbeing.

The PHN will be selecting and funding via a pitch event:

• Three (3) programs in the Hunter region
• Three (3) programs in the Central Coast region
• Five (5) programs in the New England region.

This grant opportunity is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each program and requested funding amount must be responsive to community needs. The funding available per program will come from a Pitch Event held in each region, where the audience will pledge funds towards the programs that are being pitched. Funding available will be in the range from $15,000 up to a potential $40,000 ex GST (dependant on pitch event contributions) for suicide prevention activities that address:

1. Equity of access to suicide prevention programs
2. Local data or evidence-based needs
3. Priority groups – Men, First Nations people, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse people, young people, people with psychosocial needs, as identified in the 2025-2028 Needs Assessment
4. Community and program sustainability.

Community-led suicide prevention programs could include, but are not limited to:

• A series of gatekeeper/first responder/volunteer mental health or suicide prevention specific training and resilience workshops
• Suicide prevention resource development and supporting campaign to promote awareness
• Target population specific resources and materials to support conversations around suicide and how to access appropriate help
• Workshops involving local sporting clubs or businesses.
• Development of local action plans and guides supporting communities to manage suicide prevention.