Robert Nixon created the foundation after two of his children took their own lives.

OAMS CEO Jamie Newman said talks started after Mr Nixon invited the medical service to the foundation’s first event in Robertson Park in September.

“After listening to Rob and his story I was encouraged and inspired by what he was wanting to achieve,” Mr Newman said.

Mr Newman said the foundation could complement the service’s well-being program.

“We offered the Te Aria Foundation office space as they where operating out of their home and for the foundation to be effective they needed to be visible and active,” he said.

“Our well-being program is mainly clinical treatment of mental health issues that impact and affect our people. Having Te Aria to provide intervention and prevention of suicide fits well with our program.”

Mr Nixon said a partnership had practical benefits. The foundation’s focus is education, training and peer support, while the medical service would provide a clinical aspect it lacks.

He said while the partnership was with the city’s Aboriginal medical specialists – he emphasised the service to provide peer support to people experiencing suicidal thoughts was for everyone.

“The big challenge for people needing help is waiting times, when someone has a mental health crisis they want to be seen immediately,” he said.

Mr Nixon said thoughts of suicide could stem from financial, social, substance abuse or health issues – some of those problems are best addressed with clinical help.

“We are currently working on a formal MOU (memorandum of understanding) that will highlight how we can work together,” Mr Newman said.

“We envisage that through this partnership that Te Aria will become a stand alone and successful service. We will be implementing pathways between our services for clients who require our support.”