Leading experts in suicide prevention from across the world will be meeting on the Gold Coast (Queensland) for the 31st World Congress, which is being organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). This is the first time in more than 30 years that the congress is being held in Australia. The congress will be held at the Gold Coast International Convention Centre from 21 to 24 September 2021.
It is significant that this international event is being held here, as Australia continues to make enormous strides in its efforts to prevent suicide. With momentum across governments in Australia to implement change, this congress is very timely. This event will help support this appetite for change and show how nations can integrate suicide prevention efforts through reform, policy and application.
IASP President Professor Rory O’Connor has been part of a leading group of international researchers and practitioners, looking into COVID-19 and suicide prevention.
“Over the past 10 months, our experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for greater awareness, knowledge, research and action related to mental health and suicide prevention.
“The 31st World Congress will shine a light on how mental health and suicide prevention can continue to play a vital role as we recover from COVID-19 and support the most vulnerable,” said Professor O’Connor.
As the peak body for suicide prevention, Suicide Prevention Australia is delighted to be a sponsoring partner of this high-profile international event.
“As a communication sponsor for the 31st World Congress we will be partnering to promote the congress and showcase the world-class suicide prevention research efforts,” said Suicide Prevention Australia CEO, Nieves Murray.
“We are joining arm-in-arm with IASP in an advocacy capacity to highlight the important work being undertaken in research and on-the-ground programs to improve the interventions and responses, not only in Australia but across the globe.
“On the international stage, Australia is recognised as a leader in suicide prevention and the World Congress is an opportunity for thought leaders from across the world to engage with local program leaders and researchers.
“Research is instrumental for developing best practice to deliver safe and effective suicide prevention programs. At the same time, research drawing on community experience can provide greater practical applications through real-life insights for effective interventions that can save people’s lives.
“The intersection of research and clinical evidence plus community practice allows the sector to embrace the complexity of factors involved in suicide. The translation of research and clinical evidence into practice remains one of the key challenges in suicide prevention,” said Nieves Murray.
“The 31st World Congress comes at a time where it is so important that we listen to the voice of lived experience, those from diverse backgrounds, and encourage emerging research leaders early in their careers,” said Professor O’Connor.
“It’s fantastic to have the national peak body for the host country, Suicide Prevention Australia, linking with their international colleagues at IASP, and we appreciate their commitment to support what will be an extremely important Congress post COVID-19,” said Professor Jo Robinson, IASP Vice President and head of suicide prevention at Orygen.
For more information and to register for the 31st World Congress, visit: https://www.iasp.info/goldcoast2021/registrations/
To get help 24/7, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, phone 000 for emergency services.
Media contacts:
Clare Kinsella 0427 689 689 clarek@suicidepreventionaust.org
Amelia Banks 0410 591 134 ameliab@suicidepreventionaust.org
Help to report about suicide safely is available online: Go to www.mindframe-media.info
