Prevention Hub researcher receives $100,000 Innovation Research Grant

One of The Prevention Hub's researchers, Dr Sally Fitzpatrick is among six recipients of the 2019 Innovation Research Grants from the Suicide Prevention Research Fund.

Dr Fitzpatrick, Mental Health and Research Project Lead at Everymind, will receive $100,000 to lead a pilot study investigating online interventions for families and friends impacted by a suicide attempt. She said she is delighted to receive this grant, which allows researchers to support those who support others.

“I am passionate about translating research into effective and accessible programs for Australian families impacted by mental ill-health and suicide," Dr Fitzpatrick said.

"Families and friends are under represented in our service system and yet provide most of the practical and emotional support to those impacted by suicide attempt.

"This grant provides a valuable opportunity to develop targeted support for families and friends who care for others."

The study aims to ascertain if families and friends will engage with an online support program and social network application tailored to their needs and examines the benefit such an intervention can provide for families and friends.

Dr Fitzpatrick’s research will build upon the work achieved by Minds Together, a program of The Prevention Hub that aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing, as well as prevent the mental ill-health, of carers of people experiencing depression and/or anxiety.

Funded by the Suicide Prevention Research Fund managed by Suicide Prevention Australia, the Innovation Research Grants support world-class Australian research into suicide prevention and the translation of knowledge into effective programs for individuals, families and communities.

Find out more about Dr Sally Fitzpatrick at Everymind and about her 2019 Innovation Research Grant project at Suicide Prevention Australia

More about the Minds Together suite of programs: