Parliament House will set the scene for a thought-provoking event on 14 February for End Youth Suicide Week (13-17 February) hosted by young people who have overcome significant adversity.

The week-long event will feature the Hon Ged Kearney MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care; Ms Melissa McIntosh MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention; CEO Youth Insearch Stephen Lewin and Clinical Lead at Youth Insearch Leanne Hall, supported by an installation on the front lawn, representing the 402 young Australians aged 15-24 who took their own lives in 2021.

End Youth Suicide Week will commence with a vigil on the Northern Beaches of Sydney to acknowledge the lives lost to suicide, with local MPS and community members to be invited.

“Suicide remains the biggest killer of Australians aged 14 to 24 years. We know that 20% of those young people who present for mental health support have experienced complex trauma from three or more adverse life events. We know that complex trauma increases the risk of suicidality,” said Stephen Lewin, Youth Insearch CEO.

“So, when we consider that those who have experienced trauma are unlikely to present to traditional psychologists, who may represent the same adults or authority figures who have let them down in life – it starts to become clear that as a nation, we need to find another solution.”

Not-for-profit organisation Youth Insearch delivers trauma-informed, peer-to-peer and lived experience support in conjunction with traditional clinicians, and has spent the last 12 months lobbying government, to offer a support solution to the existing model.

Their report has recently seen the rate of young women suicides almost double (40%). Whilst those who have lost their lives to suicide are often referred to as the ‘missing middle’, Youth Insearch prefers the ‘forgotten middle’, forgotten by a system currently not meeting their needs.

Related: New report shows current Mental Health Model is leading to a ‘Forgotten Middle’

“When we journey through difficult times, finding out that your thoughts and feelings are normal is an important part of life. To be vulnerable, to open up to people who may have had a similar journey, who are offering you support is some of the best help you can receive in life,” said Shane Fitzsimmon, Youth Insearch Chairman.

Fitzsimmons emphasised that peer-to-peer support is vital for everyone, young people and adults.

“The existing government model needs a lift, and there is no doubt, Youth Insearch has the solution. We just need to bring the two models together to make a difference in the lives of the many young people currently suffering and at the risk of suicide.”

“It is programs such as Youth Insearch, and the initiatives they support which must play an integral role in mental health services for our young people,” added Fitzsimmon.

End Youth Suicide Week will see politicians wearing blue heart pins in Parliament to raise awareness for the campaign.