Promises to fund mental health services have been made from all sides during this state election campaign, but those on the front line say the need for help is urgent.

In a study conducted by The National Mental Health Commission, it was revealed that the number of Australians aged 16-24 experiencing mental health struggles in the last 12 months has increased from 26 to 39 per cent between 2007 and 2022.

Additionally, almost a third of this demographic have experienced suicidal ideation or behaviours in the last 12 months.

Advocates say it’s a clear sign that urgent action is required from the state government, with calls for more support and funding towards mental health support, particularly for adolescents.

Organisations like Zero2Hero, a WA-based youth mental health non-profit, seek to educate adolescents and equip them with the skills to manage their mental health.

Zero2Hero program operations manager Kristy Bumbak believes more funding must go towards prevention rather than remediating the impacts of poor mental health.

“I think if I could recommend one improvement to mental health services, it would all start from having more funding placed towards prevention, rather than treatment,” she says.

New data from Suicide Prevention Australia also shows 71 per cent of suicide prevention organisations have seen an increase in demand over the last 12 months, with 80 per cent requiring additional funding to keep operating.

The Greens say they are aiming to re-direct the funding of mental health support towards prevention, early intervention, and the community managed Mental Health Sector.

Ahead of the WA state election, Labor have promised to put $48 million towards expanding mental health services, including a new residential eating disorder recovery centre, as well as strengthening mental health support in the workplace.

This comes with their $3.2 billion investment in WA health and mental health in the 2024-25 state budget, of which $260 million was placed into the improvement of mental health, alcohol and drug related services.

The Liberals have promised $91 million towards more urgent care clinics, with both the Liberals and Labor offering extra support for ADHD and access to medication.

Mental health support groups continue to hope more help is on the way.

If you or someone you know needs support, you can contact Headspace at 1800 650 890 or the organisation’s online chat support service. You can also contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service at 1300 659 467.