CANBERRA, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced extra funding for a youth mental health service after pledging during the election to "break the curse" of youth suicide.
Morrison on Tuesday pledged an extra 2.8 million Australian dollars (1.94 million U.S. dollars) for batyr Australia, a preventative service that was developed by a university student who was suffering poor mental health, to expand its online presence.
In a statement issued before the announcement, Morrison sad that batyr's "safe and effective" storytelling in schools was innovative.
"This is a program for young people, designed by young people," he said.
"This will help batyr deliver frontline services and coordinate the right interventions for at risk young people.
"Batyr and their approach is part of our vision for tackling the mental health challenges facing young Australians that is a key focus of my government."
An estimated 25 percent of Australians aged between 16 and 24 suffer from mental illness every year.
According to data cited by batyr, which was founded by Sebastian Robertson in 2011, seven out of every 30 students deal with mental health issues but only two reach out for support.
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said that batyr delivered frontline support and interventions for people at risk.
"There are more pressures on young people today than ever before and we are committed to ensuring young Australians can get information, advice, counselling or treatment, when and where they need it," he said.
The Federal Budget for financial year 2019/20, which was unveiled by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg before the election campaign in April, included 461 million Australian dollars (320.6 million U.S. dollars) for youth mental health and suicide prevention.
