This week, in partnership with The Funding Network (TFN), WentWest launched the Western Sydney Pitch Night.
Western Sydney Pitch Night will allocate funds to up to three key programs, each focused on locally led collaborations that seek to improve suicide prevention activity in Western Sydney.
"We are seeking to build the capacity of the suicide prevention sector by trialling a process to improve local efforts in early intervention for those impacted by suicide in our catchment area," said WentWest Project Lead, Jay Gardener.
WentWest is inviting community groups, social enterprises or programs in neighbouring PHNs to apply for the Western Sydney Pitch Night through the open Request for Tender (RFT), closing April 11.
Following a successful tender process, at the live event, the audience will hear short, sharp pitch presentations, and then ‘pledge’ from the Targeted Regional Initiatives for Suicide Prevention (TRISP) monies towards the program they feel best addresses the community’s needs.
The Western Sydney Pitch Night is designed to create an interactive event that engages the community in the decision-making process.
“Western Sydney Pitch Night gives the local community a direct role in helping to decide which programs will have the most impact for preventing suicide, ensuring that initiatives reflect the real needs of the region,” Jay said.
“We want to understand more of the activity being undertaken in our region and build a responsive model to improve the ability of local, emerging groups, including non-health entities, to contribute to suicide prevention efforts through the PHN.”
“As part of the program, the selected respondents receive coaching opportunities to help strengthen their pitch and build confidence prior to the event – this creates equity amongst the participants of Western Sydney Pitch Night.”
“By fostering relationships with community and working towards partnership models aligned to IAP2, the project contributes to our aim of strengthening the suicide prevention landscape in Western Sydney.
The Request for Tender (RFT) is now open until April 11, 2025. Please see the requirements on Tenderlink and submit your response via email to commissioning@wentwest.com.au.
How Do Pitch Nights Work?
1. Through a Call For applications process, three early intervention suicide prevention programs are selected.
2. The selected three engage in coaching sessions with our partner, The Funding Network, and further scope their activity with the PHN.
3. At Western Sydney Pitch Night, the audience hears pitch presentations from each of the three suicide prevention programs.
4. The audience is provided with a ‘pledge’ card and decides which program(s) meets the community’s needs.
5. At the conclusion of the event – each successful program participates in a collaborative debrief session to award the funds, as pledged by the attendees.
Save the Date
Western Sydney Pitch Night will be held on Thursday, July 3 2025.
