Strategies to improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders will be developed by their community leaders and health professionals in Perth.
The National Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum begins on Monday morning and will continue through to Wednesday.
Discussions will consider how to implement mental health programs on a small budget, education and training opportunities, and how to effectively recruit indigenous workers in the health sector.
The suicide rates of Aboriginal people in certain areas of WA are among the highest in the world.
Overall, the suicide rate among Aboriginal people in the state is 3.3 times higher than among non-Aboriginal people.
In January, the federal government announced a $10 million investment over three years to roll out a national indigenous suicide prevention plan.
A 2016 parliamentary inquiry into Aboriginal youth suicide rates in WA found that rates have worsened, as recommendations from 40 previous inquiries over 15 years have not been implemented.
The forum aims to provide indigenous leaders with skills to implement strategies and drive change within their own communities and mental health organisations.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Local Aboriginal Medical Service available from www.vibe.com.au.
