Adelaide | 12 Jan 2012
South Australians are being invited to share their views on a new draft Suicide Prevention Strategy.
The State Government and SA Health have developed a collaborative strategy encompassing different departments, officials, experts, consumers, carers, charities and other NGOs to raise awareness of prevention services.
The strategy will also outline common risk factors for suicide and focus on training and research as well as the evaluation of existing programs.
Derek Wright, Executive Director of Mental Health & Substance Abuse said, “Suicide is heartbreaking and complex, not only for families and friends, but for communities too.
“We are developing a Suicide Prevention Strategy that will involve communities in creating awareness of risk factors and taking steps for prevention and intervention.
“Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility. This strategy will make sure that South Australians are aware of the help that’s available and where they can go to get it.
“It also recognises the most vulnerable members of our society and makes plans to ensure that we are responsive to them.”
The risk factors for suicide are varied and many are outside of the control of the health sector, which is why the strategy also relies on NGO and community groups that provide services to vulnerable groups.
The strategy also seeks to improve understanding of suicide through research and evaluation of other prevention programs, and to provide quality training to suicide prevention services.
“In the past two decades, the rate of suicide in South Australia has shown an overall downward trend, and this strategy is a way to continue that trend by strengthening our services and community and assisting those who may feel troubled and lonely.”
Mr. Wright reminded South Australians to maintain contact with family and friends who may be lonely or depressed or have a mental illness.
Support and information services are available through Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) and Lifeline (131 114) and the 24-hour Emergency & Crisis Intervention Line (131 465).
The draft of the South Australian Suicide Prevention Strategy is available online at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au and is open for public consultation until the end of February.
