In a South Australian first, people passionate about keeping their communities safe from suicide will come together to discuss a range of successful strategies to reduce its impact.
Country Health SA Executive Director of Mental Health Rebecca Graham said the 10 suicide prevention networks currently operating in South Australia will come together to take part in the forum about suicide.
“Over the past two years SA Health has worked with communities to establish community-led suicide prevention networks across the state,” Ms Graham said.
“While there is not one strategy to prevent suicide, the involvement of communities and the building of togetherness and resilience are positive steps to reduce it.
“These networks are leaders in suicide prevention and there will be great benefit in bringing them all together to discuss the different approaches that have had an impact in their communities.
“Suicide prevention networks play an important role by providing information and education about suicide and mental health and breaking down the stigma that can prevent people seeking help.
“This forum will bring together leaders of innovative community initiatives from across the state and recognise the need for a whole of community response to suicide.
“Suicide prevention is a whole of community issue and these networks focus on having broad representation including people from health, business, industry and agriculture sectors, service clubs, churches, schools and sporting clubs.
“Communities have really taken ownership of these networks in the attempt to continue to break down the stigma associated with mental health and suicide.”
Currently in South Australia there are suicide prevention networks in Mount Gambier, Strathalbyn, Port Adelaide, Clare and Gilbert Valley, Gawler, Murray Bridge, Playford, Whyalla, Naracoorte and Port Augusta.
SA Health is currently in discussions with the communities of Victor Harbor and the mid-Murray town of Sedan to establish suicide prevention networks.
The latest available data from 2006-2010 shows a decrease in the suicide rate from the previous five years (2001-2006) in Adelaide from 12.5 per 100,000 to 11.7 per 100,000 and in country South Australia from 14 per 100,000 to 11.9 per 100,000.
The networks closely link themselves to the goals of the SA Suicide Prevention Strategy 2012-2016: Every life is worth living and their local government strategic plan.
For more information on how to provide feedback or existing mental health services visitwww.sahealth.sa.gov.au