Indigenous and Mens Position Statement Launch 13th April 2008
Continuing its commitment to community awareness and public health advocacy, Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) today launched the first of a series of position statements addressing priority areas of suicide prevention.
The position statements, Suicide Prevention and Capacity Building in Australian Indigenous Communities and Men and Suicide: Future Directions, build on SPA’s existing events-based advocacy agenda and propose a clearly defined set of guiding principles and recommendations for action and change.
Primary to these is a call for the development of a national Health and Well Being Strategy for Men and increased political commitment to improving the health and living standards of Indigenous peoples via a multidisciplinary approach that is respectful to Indigenous culture, history and agency and that enables the development of solutions in genuine collaboration with Indigenous communities.
Emerging from extensive community consultation, specialist Reference Group review and ratification by the SPA Board, the position statements aim to reflect the diversity of interests and challenges faced in reducing the devastating rates of Indigenous and male suicide and self-harm in Australia.
Launching the position statements, SPA Chair, Dr Michael Dudley, said: “These issues represent two of the more complex and challenging, yet preventable health issues facing Australians today.
“Evidence shows that, of the reported cases of suicide each year, men account for around 80 per cent of deaths, while Indigenous suicide rates are now suspected to be more than 40 per cent higher than those of the non-Indigenous population. The impact of both recorded and unrecorded suicide deaths, in both instances, can be catastrophic for family, friends, colleagues and communities, and has significant consequences for (trans)generational transmissions of grief and loss.”
Further commenting, Professor John Macdonald, Chair of the SPA Men and Suicide Position Statement Reference Group and Co-Director, Men's Health Information and Resource Centre at the University of Western Sydney, added: “Despite this, little research has been conducted into Indigenous understandings and definitions of suicide and self-harming behaviour. Likewise, we significantly lack initiatives that encourage help-seeking among men and that actively promote the value of men, their contributions to society and a range of positive male identities. This is in spite of the risks of suicide being something to which every man is potentially vulnerable.”
While identifying key areas for action and change, the SPA Position Statements also recognise and celebrate the diversity of Australian men, as well as the strength and resilience demonstrated by many Indigenous families who have still been able to raise healthy, happy children while keeping their cultural and other practices in tact, in spite of tremendous sociocultural pressures.
“SPA advocates for greater recognition of these triumphs and the valuable inroads being made, particularly by existing best practice community intervention and capacity building programs among and by Indigenous communities,” says Dr Mick Adams, Chair of the SPA Indigenous Suicide Position Statement Reference Group and Chair of both the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and SPA’s Indigenous Gathering Committee.
Recognising that a number of the issues canvassed by both SPA Position Statements significantly overlap with the social agenda of the new Federal Government, particularly with regard to housing and homelessness, alcohol abuse and social inclusion, Dr Dudley says: “We strongly urge governments and other critical stakeholders to embrace the recommendations proposed by SPA. This entails close consultation with at-risk individuals and communities regarding policy, service delivery, research and strategies to prevent and reduce suicide and self-harm. It also requires an awareness of and response to the needs, traditions, culture, and diversity of both Australian men and Indigenous peoples.”
To access accurate information about suicide and the portrayal of suicide in the media, please visit: http://www.mindframe-media.info/
For more information please contact:
Ryan McGlaughlin
SPA Executive Officer
Phone: + 61 2 9568 3111
Mobile: 0425 382 800
Email: ryan@suicidepreventionaust.org
Community Forum 10th September, Call for Media
Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) will be hosting the inaugural 2007 Community Forum to be held on the 10th of September in conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD).The Community Forum will be held at Swanston Hall, City of Melbourne Town Hall, doors open at 3:30pm, forum will commence at 4:00pm and continue until 8:00pm. Light refreshments will be available during the break.
SPA is happy to recommend the following people for interviews or comments regarding, suicide prevention, post-vention and their lived experience. Each of the panellists have differing perspectives on the topics at hand; ranging from formal or clinical training, to personal and lived experience.
Panellists suggested for interview: A detailed biography of our panellists can be found on the bottom of this page.
• Kate Caterson: Founder of “A Bid for Life”. Personal experience, the extended affects of suicide and how to look for help.
• Professor Patrick McGorry: Executive Director, ORYGEN Youth Centre: Breaking the Silence: Personally and in the Media, and the importance of opening up the communication channels.
• Katelyn More: Personal experience with regards to mental health.
• Jon Kroschel: Consumer Advocate and the Consumer Consultant to Alfred Psychiatry.
• Dr. Nick Foster: Mensline Australia, Crisis Support Services Inc. Men’s related issues, depression, burnout, staying connected, training for people dealing with family separation.
• Julie McCrossin: Host for the evening, Julie can comment on the dynamics of the forum.
The Community Forum will be opened by the Honourable Lisa Neville MP, (Victorian Minister for Mental Health) and will be hosted by Julie McCrossin, TV and radio personality. Guests on the panel will represent a range of groups within our community including those with lived experience, service providers, a psychiatrist, advocates, media and an industry service provider.
This is a free community forum open to the general public and SPA is interested in raising awareness about our event.
This year’s the theme for WSPD is “Preventing Suicide across the life span: Dreams and Realities”. This theme has been adopted to emphasise the fact that suicide occurs in all ages and suicide prevention and intervention strategies may be adapted to meet the needs of different age groups.
Available statistics show in many countries suicide rates are highest amongst the elderly aged 85 or older. While in Ireland, Sweden and China, suicide amongst young adolescents (under the age of 15) is seen as the leading cause of young adolescent death (ISAP 07). The youth completion rates are still of concern even though recent figures show a plateau in youth suicide. Mindframe figures highlight that since 1997 suicide rates among 15 to 19 year old males have decreased fairly consistently and in 2005, the rate was 9.5 per 100 000 (population) - this is the second lowest rate seen for this group for at least 20 years.
Although this is a positive direction, when looking at national figures overall the picture is far less encouraging, a continuing concern is the rate of indigenous suicides; The “Combined 2004 data for five states and territories indicated that suicide accounted for 4.2% of deaths for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people compared to 1.5% of deaths for other Australians in those states” (Mindframe). To arrange an interview with one of our guests or to have media present at the community forum, please contact the SPA Communications Coordinator.
SPA is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.
For ways of reporting suicide and for statistics please visit http://www.mindframe-media.info/
Questions For Community Forum
World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10th
This year the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is “Preventing Suicide across the Life Span: Dreams and Realities”. WSPD is held each year on the 10th of September in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Association for Suicide Prevention (ISAP). Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) will this year host their two key national activities in Melbourne, including the annual LiFe awards at Federation Square and a community Forum at the MelbourneTown Hall.
The available statistics show that in many countries suicide rates are highest amongst the elderly aged 85 or older. While in Ireland, Sweden and China, suicide amongst young adolescents (under the age of 15) is seen as the leading cause of young adolescent death. (ISAP 07) The youth completion rates are still of concern even though recent figures show a plateau in youth suicide. Mindframe figures show that since 1997 suicide rates among 15 to 19 year old males have decreased fairly consistently and in 2005, the rate was 9.5 per 100 000 (population) - this is the second lowest rate seen for this group for at least 20 years.
Although this is a positive direction, when looking at national figures overall the picture is far less encouraging, a continuing concern is the rate of indigenous suicides; The “Combined 2004 data for five states and territories indicated that suicide accounted for 4.2% of deaths for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people compared to 1.5% of deaths for other Australians in those states” (Mindframe). Furthermore conservatively men are 3 times more likely to commit suicide than women which impacts on Australian families.
As such bereavement due to death by suicide is a complex issue, with individual grief taking years to overcome and family bereavement process possibly taking generations. The social stigma attached to suicide compounds the grief, and family and friends of the dead are often left with many unsolved questions. SPA acknowledges these difficulties and has made an ongoing commitment to support those bereaved by suicide and to direct support for those on the trajectory of risk.
World suicide rates account for nearly 3% of world deaths, and attempted suicide is conservatively estimated at 10 times that of suicide rates. SPA on this national day of action for suicide prevention and post-vention has been proud to host the LiFe Awards and the WSPD Community forum. Respectively the aim has been to recognise the ongoing work of community and individuals within suicide prevention and post-vention while at the forum we will be opening the communication channels encouraging dialog amongst family and friends to “get talking and help each other”.
LiFe Awards: SPA will be hosting the 2007 LiFe Award’s ceremony to be held on the 9th of September, and SPA is happy to announce that we have received a record number of nominations.
As Ryan McGlaughlin SPA’s Executive Officer states: “The essence of the awards are based around the contribution of all nominees, and although there will be a winner for each category for their outstanding contribution, SPA regards the nomination process as a focal point, allowing us to gather information and learn more about the individuals and organisations working within related fields throughout Australia”. He added, “Past winners have come from all over the country, from metropolitan to remote areas like the TiwiIslands”
WSPD Community Forum “Let’s get talking and help each other”: In addition to the LiFe Awards SPA will be hosting the inaugural 2007 Community Forum to be held on the 10th of September at Melbourne Town Hall. The Community Forum will be hosted by Julie McCrossin, TV and radio personality and will commence at 4:00pm and continue on till 8:00pm, with light refreshments available during the break. Speakers on the panel will represent a range of groups within our community including; those with lived experience, service providers, a psychiatrist, advocates, media and an industry service provider.
WSPD sponsors: Cbus, Incolink, Crisis Support Services Inc, SANE Australia, MySpace, Department of Human, Services - Victorian Government, City of Melbourne.
SPA is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the national Suicide Prevention Strategy.
For ways of reporting suicide and for statistics please visit http://www.mindframe-media.info/
Community Forum, “Lets Get Talking and Help Each Other”
“Lets Get Talking and Help Each Other”
Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) will be hosting the inaugural 2007 Community Forum to be held on the 10th of September at Melbourne Town Hall in conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD).
Medical professionals, people working with community and members of the public are encouraged to attend, with the aim of the forum being to challenge, pose questions and be informed about the dialog currently in circulation within mental health, suicide prevention and post-vention networks. The Community Forum will be held at Melbourne Town Hall, will commence at 4:00pm and continue on till 8:00pm, with light refreshments available during the break.
Julie McCrossin, a well known TV personality currently on ABC radio 702 ‘Life Matters’ program, which focuses largely on social change and day-to-day life will be hosting the forum with the intent of having an interactive conversation between the panel and community.
The Victorian Mental Health Minister, Lisa Neville and the Victorian Coroner Graeme Johnstone will be “Setting the Scene” for the forum, explaining the extent of the problem of suicide both through statistics and by exploring the social effects suicide has on our community.
Julie McCrossin will then move us to the topic at hand “Let’s Get Talking and Help Each Other” with discussion around;
• Encouraging the community to talk more openly about suicide and where to get help, in order to reduce stigma and promote prevention
• To clarify the signs to look for in yourself or others that indicate you need to get help • To hear personal stories of successfully seeking and getting help to prevent suicide
• To demonstrate that suicidal feelings can occur across the whole lifespan of the individual
Barbara Hocking, Executive Director of SANE Australia says that: “Awareness of mental illness and suicide has risen in recent years, our challenge now is to help family and friends to understand that they can help and how to go about it.”
Speakers on the panel will represent a range of groups within our community including; those with lived experience, service providers, a psychiatrist, advocates and an Industry Service Provider. The final topic will be “Breaking the Silence: Personally and in the Media” which will discuss the benefits and dangers of talking openly about suicide, both personally and in the media. This panel discussion will be addressing the challenges, opportunities and media ethics around suicide.
As Professor Patrick McGorry from ORYGEN Youth Health states. “There is an issue with ‘copycats’, and this may be related to the way in which the story was presented, what needs to be done is open up the communication channels so stories are presented openly and in a authentic way. Statistics are impersonal, what changes people are real stories”.
We believe that the 2007 Community Forum is a great opportunity to raise awareness regarding the work done in suicide prevention and post-vention, while challenging and discussing current issues which are of specific concern to individuals and groups working in the field.
For further information regarding responsible ways of reporting suicide and for statistics please visit the MindFrame website. http://www.mindframe-media.info/
2007 LiFe Awards Nominations Media Release
Nominations for the 2007 LiFe Awards
Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) is organising the 2007 LiFe Awards to be held on the 9th of September in conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day and are currently accepting nominations for various categories.
Nominations for the LiFe Awards are now open and close on Thursday, 23rd of August, with nomination forms available from our web site or through SPA offices, 02 9568 3111. Individuals and organisations may be nominated with winners flown to Melbourne and provided with accommodation to attend the ceremony.
The specific requirements for the nominations are available from our website. However what the judges are broadly looking for in nominees is a passion for and commitment towards helping people in their community. We encourage nominations of people and projects working in the mental health field or working closely with communities, organisations or groups that are at risk of suicide and self harm or have been affected by the loss of someone to suicide
Companies, organisations and individuals involved in all areas of suicide prevention and post-vention will be recognised at the ceremony.
Nomination categories;
- Media (Print)
- Media (Non Print)
- Research (Emerging)
- Research (Lifetime)
- Business and Industry
- Youth
- Public Sector
- Indigenous
- Healthy Communities
The 2007 LiFe Award Ceremony will be held at Federation Square in Melbourne on the night of the 9th September and is by invitation only.
We encourage the public to nominate candidates from all walks of life, as Ryan McGlaughlin SPA’s Executive Officer states:
“The essence of the awards are based around the contribution of all nominees, and although there will be a winner for each category for their outstanding contribution, SPA regards the nomination process as a focal point, allowing us to gather information and learn more about the individuals and organisations working within related fields throughout Australia”. He added, “Past winners have come from all over the country, from metropolitan to remote areas like the Tiwi Islands”
We believe that the 2007 LiFe Awards are a great opportunity to raise awareness regarding the work done in suicide prevention and post-vention, while honouring those who have dedicated themselves to the enrichment of human life.
This year SPA hopes to attract more nominations to the LiFe Awards and increase the prestige of the ceremony yet again. This is fuelled by our desire to continually improve and increase the national capabilities and impact of suicide prevention and post-vention.
LiFe Awards nomination forms are available from our website, to download a copy please visit the following link http://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/Awards.aspx
To view an abstract about our past winners please visit the following link and select the media category. http://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/PastProjects.aspx
For further information regarding the appropriate forms of reporting suicide, please visit the Mind Frame website. http://www.mindframe-media.info/mi/issues_qr.php
Community Forum Panellists suggested for interview
SPA is happy to recommend the following people for interviews or comments regarding, suicide prevention, post-vention and their lived experience.
Each of the panellists have differing perspectives on the topics at hand; ranging from formal or clinical training, to personal and lived experience.
Kate Caterson Kate’s’ younger sister Michelle (25) suffered from depression for the last few years. When Michelle was 13 her mum died of cancer and she never got over it. Michelle never let her sister Kate or her family know how she was feeling and when depressed wouldn't get up and go to work; she would stay home all day to avoid everyone. Kate’s biggest problem (and my families) was that they did not know where to get help (until it was too late). On occasions she would “snap out of it” for a couple of months, but it gradually got worse. In January this year, Michelle committed suicide. Kate and her friends got together to organise a charity auction night called “A Bid for Life” (held on 13th July 2007.) The auction was held at Crown Casino where they raised over $22,000 which was donated to reachout.com.au. The aim of the auction was to raise awareness about suicide with an emphasis on directing people on where to seek help regarding depression for family, friends and individuals “When Michelle was suffering, we didn’t know who or where to turn to!” Kate Caterson Kate Caterson is the Training Officer for the Cbus Fund Team.
Professor Patrick McGorry, MD BS Phd FRCP FRANZCP Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Australia; and Executive Director, ORYGEN Youth Health & ORYGEN Research Centre Professor Patrick McGorry is a world-leading researcher in the area of early psychosis. His work has played an integral role in the development of safe, effective treatments and innovative research involving the needs of young people with emerging or first-episode psychosis. He is currently the Executive Director of ORYGEN Youth Health and the ORYGEN Research Centre. ORYGEN’s 240 clinical and research staff provide leading expertise in early psychosis, mood, substance use, and personality disorders. ORYGEN’s early psychosis service, known as EPPIC, was founded by Professor McGorry in 1991, and has been hugely influential internationally. Its model has been exported to many countries including the UK, ORYGEN provides clinical services to more than 700 young people at any one time. The ORYGEN Research Centre is currently running 44 psychiatry research projects. A prolific author, Professor McGorry has had more than 130 articles published in prestigious peer reviewed journals including, The Lancet, The British Journal of Psychiatry, The American Journal of Psychiatry, and The Medical Journal of Australia. Professor McGorry has also been involved in the writing, and editing of almost 40 books on various psychiatry subjects. Professor McGorry has presented this research at more than 300 national and international conferences, including numerous invited presentations. From 1987-1993 Professor McGorry was an Associate Investigator in an NHMRC funded Schizophrenia Research Unit. Since that time, he has successfully gained subsequent grants from various sources to continue the work established in the Unit. He is currently a Chief Investigator on 4 NHMRC Project Grants. Over the past two decades, the NHMRC has assisted with Professor McGorry’s work with grants, totalling more than 10 million dollars ($AUD). In addition to his significant contribution to the field of early psychosis and schizophrenia research, Professor McGorry has conducted important research several other areas of psychiatry including, mental health needs of the homeless, health needs and treatments for refugees and torture survivors, youth suicide, youth substance use and the treatment of emerging personality disorder. He is currently the President of the International Early Psychosis Association and an Executive Board Member for the International Society for Psychological Treatments in Schizophrenia & Related Psychosis. Professor McGorry has won several prestigious awards. In 1991, he was awarded the RNAZCP/Organon Junior Research Award for significant research contributions in the early phase of his career, which was followed by the RANZCP/Organon Senior Research Award in 1998. In 2001, he received the Founders Medal of the Australian Society for Psychiatric Research Annual Scientific Meeting. And in 2003, the Australian Federal Government awarded Professor McGorry the Centenary Medal in recognition for the development of the EPPIC program.
Katelyn Moore is 25-years-old and is currently a client at ORYGEN Youth Health. Katelyn has completed two years of a Doctor of Psychology course. She has taken 12 months leave of absence from her course this year due to mental illness. Katelyn is an active member of the ORYGEN youth participation program – PLATFORM and has completed training as peer support worker where she provides support to other young people at the ORYGEN inpatient unit. She is also a volunteer research assistant at the Mental Illness Fellowship of Victoria and works casually for the Disability Liaison Unit at university. Katelyn hopes to return to her postgraduate studies next year and to pursue a career as an Educational and Developmental Psychologist.
Jon Kroschel is currently employed as the Consumer Consultant to Alfred Psychiatry. That means he accesses public mental health services himself and now works part-time collaboratively with staff in the service, in a quality improvement context. He has held this position for over 10 years. Jon is also the Director of the Participatory Action Research Stream of Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, an independent Director on the Board of Directors of the Quality Improvement Council of Australia and New Zealand and a member of the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership. Jon also develops and delivers staff training workshops for mental health staff, GP’s and community service staff, in aspects relevant to his own personal experiences of homelessness, drug and alcohol issues and mental health issues, including being suicidal. Jon has presented at many National and International conferences on these topics and has received numerous local and International awards for his work in the Mental Health field.
Dr. Nick Foster completed a doctoral thesis in psychology at the University of London at in 1998. He has since worked across a variety of industries in Australia, South Africa, Canada, Russia and Europe, and has led personal and professional development, and leadership programmes for several corporate and charitable organisations. Nick was appointed to the role of Community Liaison Coordinator at Crisis Support Services in 2006. In his role with CSS, Nick is responsible for providing specialised counselling for Australians in acute crisis. He also manages important training and community development projects across the country, while supporting the marketing team to increase community awareness of the important services CSS offers Australians in crisis including:
• Mensline Australia, • Suicide Helpline, • beyondblue information and advice line, • Vietnam Vets after hours counselling line, • Tailored workplace and industrial training, and, • The delivery of Staying Connected training for people dealing with separation; empowering parents to remain in contact with their kids. Nick is passionate about empowering Australians to overcome crises, develop resilience and build strong sustainable relationships. A new first-time dad himself, Nick is committed to supporting Australian fathers to access the support they need to be positive role models for their children.
2007 Tasmanian LiFe Awards
Entries open 10th September 2007, Closing Date 9th November 2007
Judging starts 16th November 2007, Awards presented Early December
Nominations for award recipients can be made by obtaining a Nomination Form from the Department of Health and Human Services, Mental Health Services or can be downloaded from the Department of Health and Human Services website: http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/agency/pro/suicideprevention/index.php
The Tasmanian LIFE Awards reward life affirming work in suicide prevention. In 2007, these Awards are judged in two categories:
The Red Herring Surf Positive Partnership Award: This award category recognises those partnerships (both formal and informal) which have collaboratively produced positive outcomes to enhance their community’s or target group’s health and well-being.
The AAMI Healthy Communities Award: The role of the community and community organisations through creating greater awareness, support, education and training and postvention as well as promoting healthy communities is well acknowledged. This award is designed to recognize those groups or individuals who have contributed through their work at the local level.
Judging: Judging of entries will be completed by a panel of three. The judging panel will assess entries against the following criteria:
In what ways has the individual, group or organisation contributed to the promotion of life and the prevention of suicide?
How has this contribution been measured?
Thanks to the sponsors Red Herring Surf and AAMI award winners of each category will receive a plaque and a cash prize to the value of up to $1,000.
Tas Life Awards Nomination form 2007