In Australia, suicide remains the leading cause of death among young people, surpassing road accidents and cancer. The Black Dog Institute stands at the forefront of mental health research and innovation in Australia, connecting world-class research with practical programs and services. Through the use of technology and evidence-based approaches, the Institute empowers those most in need and works to build a mentally healthier society.
From 2015 to 2024, the Ottomin Foundation proudly supported the Black Dog Institute with a $250,000 contribution to the RAFT program (Reconnecting AFTer a Suicide Attempt). RAFT is a mobile phone app designed to support continuity of care during the high-risk period following hospitalisation for a suicide attempt. It offered a promising approach to preventing self-harm and suicide by providing emotional reassurance and a sense of connection.
Building on this initial success, the Black Dog Institute conducted a larger, more comprehensive study to assess RAFT’s effectiveness at scale. While participant narratives highlighted the app’s emotional value, the final statistical outcomes did not demonstrate significant improvement. Nonetheless, the initiative underscored the importance of innovation in mental health support and the Ottomin Foundation’s commitment to advancing wellbeing through evidence-based programs.
Visit the Black Dog at www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
