News

Delegates now have the option of paying by instalments for the National Suicide Prevention Conference in Adelaide next July. You can just pay for registration, or include your accommodation, or even your travel costs.

The Plan, which was endorsed in August by all health ministers at Council of Australian Governments Health Council, has been released as at the close of Mental Health Week.

The 2018 National Suicide Prevention Conference venue has been announced and our Program Advisory Committee (PAC) looks forward to experiencing this exciting new environment with speakers, exhibitors and delegates next year.

3 October 2017

The October newsletter includes information for Mental Health Month and Mental Health Day plus a range of interesting opportunities such as apply for a seed funding grant to start a community choir.

Suicide Prevention Australia acknowledges the work being done by our members and others to strengthen LGBTI health and wellbeing with specific support for suicide prevention policies and programs.

Dates have been finalsied for the 2018 National Suicide Prevention Conference being held in Adelaide, South Australia.

Members of Parliament met with Suicide Prevention Australia Members today at a World Suicide Prevention Day/R U OK?Day Breakfast hosted by Parliamentary Friends of Suicide Prevention.

Survey findings released on World Suicide Prevention Day today indicate that Australians have mixed attitudes and behaviours towards people who die by suicide and an inaccurate understanding about suicide and its prevention.

SPA CEO Sue Murray shares how she will be supporting World Suicide Prevention Day this weekend. 

We are pleased to announce membership of the Program Advisory Committee for the 2018 National Suicide Prevention Conference.

We were delighted to support a wonderful afternoon for R U OK? Conservation Convoy at Government House, Canberra hosted by Their Excellencies General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia (Suicide Prevention Australia Patron) and Lady Cosgrove.

Champion for Life, Tayla Pellberg (right) took on the challenge to run the Bridge to Brisbane 2017 and raise $1,000 in support of suicide reduction. She exceeded her target and completed her challenge in memory of the father she lost to suicide when she was just one-year old.

Suicide Prevention Australia in partnership with Anytime Fitness Australia is pleased to announce that $390,000 of community funds has been raised to support suicide prevention initiatives across the country, thanks to the Plebs, Pros and Personalities 24 Hour Treadmill Challenge held on 28-29 July 2017. These events at almost 300 Anytime Fitness clubs across the nation brought together community members, local businesses, community services, politicians and celebrities to show their support for suicide prevention. 

 SPA shares their grave concerns "about the damaging impact that the national dialogue on the issue of marriage equality is having on our communities" and the fact that “we are already witnessing a rise in the levels of stress and anxiety within LGBTI communities.”

Suicide Prevention Australia CEO Sue Murray said of the Fifth Plan launched by Government today, “We have seen unprecedented political support for suicide prevention this year, most notably consultation on the Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan. We welcome suicide prevention being recognised as a key pillar in the plan and remain steadfast in our commitment to community sector and lived experience voices across the country being heard when it comes to implementation.”

Last night, at the annual National Suicide Prevention Conference Dinner and Award Ceremony, we were delighted to announce the 2017 recipients of the LiFE Awards for Excellence in Suicide Prevention.

National leadership body Suicide Prevention Australia has today announced a senior leadership team tasked with reforming the very sector they serve.

The Suicide Prevention Australia team is currently recruiting for two roles - Research Fund Director and Corporate and Community Relations Executive. 

​Resilience seems to be a buzz word at the moment, but how do we frame resilience in relation to the depth and complexity of the pain and suffering associated with suicide?

The July/August newsletter includes links to very interesting free webinars, opportunities to participate in research projects and to contribute your lived experience perspective to a project hosted by the National Mental Health Commission.
 

Early in the new year of 2017, Kaitlin lost her loving father...her best friend, to suicide, leaving her completely numb, and family and friends in their community in a state of total shock.  In May the same year, she put together Team Sheedy and became an SPA Champion for Life. Team Sheedy took on the Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon challenge to raise awareness for suicide prevention because she doesn’t ever want another family to experience the emptiness and helplessness that she and her family are feeling. Together, they raised over $4,200 in support of suicide prevention initiatives.

A big shout out and huge thanks to PPP4SPA 2017 Champion for Life, Kara Sutherland, who once again took on the challenge of organising a PPP4SPA event, this year in her home town of Grafton. After seeing the grief suffered by her best friend who lost her dad to suicide, Kara wanted to do something to help make a difference.

Suicide Prevention Australia is pleased to announce that Anytime Fitness Australia has been inspired to support a grassroots community awareness event: a national suicide prevention challenge.

PPP4SPA (Plebs, Pros and Personalities 4 Suicide Prevention Australia) co Founder and SPA Ambassador Ben Higgs announces community fundraising total and new national partnership with Anytime Fitness Australia.

Commonwealth Government names Suicide Prevention Australia as Lead for National Research Fund

This week is Refugee Week; the Mental Health Commission reports that refugees and asylum seekers living in Australia are particularly vulnerable to self-harm and suicidal behaviour.

SPA CEO Sue Murray comments on the Turnbull Government's announcement yesterday of a very welcome $47 million boost to suicide prevention.

26 to 27 May 2017, Community leaders, celebrities and sporting professionals across Australia will join Suicide Prevention Australia’s Plebs, Pros & Personalities (PPP4SPA) 24-hour treadmill challenge to prevent suicides in their communities.

This week marks 20 years since the tabling of the ‘Bringing Them Home’ Report, the result of a national inquiry by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.

The Program Advisory Committees of the 2017 National Suicide Prevention Conference –‘Relationships, resilience and respect: Responding to vulnerability in life' – would like to remind you that discounted early bird registration will close on 30 May 2017. 

Australia, 10 May 2017: Suicide Prevention Australia welcomes this week’s budget allocations, essential to making suicide prevention election commitments a reality.

We are delighted to announce that recently appointed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Ms June Oscar AO has accepted our invitation to be Keynote Speaker at the 2017 National Suicide Prevention Conference. 

Suicide Prevention Australia Champion for Life Ingrid Kennerley, together with five close friends, completed the Sunday Mail Bay-City in Adelaide, raising awareness for suicide prevention and an outstanding $5,300 in memory of her beloved husband, Brock. 

Suicide Prevention Australia this week is hosting a series of opportunities for the community sector and members of the public who have been personally impacted by suicide to contribute to the 2025 Strategic Framework for Suicide Prevention.

More than 2,000 people will participate in the 15th World Congress on Public Health in Melbourne this week, and one of the key sessions will be a First Nations Suicide Prevention World Leaders Dialogue tomorrow afternoon.

Updated date information for the SPA Community Consultations in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane. Find the link to contribute your stories and experiences when you have had opportunities to contribute to policies, forums, committee's and development of research, based on your lived experience of suicide. Read about a recent LEN Working Group and meet the most recently trained speakers from the Macedon Ranges, VIC.

Veterans have long been a valued part of Australia’s community. They are respected and honoured for the contributions they make to our country and are deserving of the best quality of care and support that the Australian community can offer. I am pleased to see the depth of listening and consideration shown in the NHMC findings as it is primarily through the voices of those with personal experience that we can learn how to best support this population, in and out of service.

The COAG Health Council has announced the development of Australia’s first National Suicide Prevention Plan.

Yesterday I attended Mental Health Australia’s Parliament Advocacy Day. Alongside Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) Members and friends, I used this platform to add to the growing momentum for ourStrategic Framework for Suicide Prevention. It is essential that suicide prevention remains a key priority on the mental health agenda and that development and implementation of this national plan happens as a matter of urgency.

After losing her beloved dad to suicide five years ago, Nyomi decided to host a Blue Tie Gala Dinner in his honour, and to reach out to others in similar circumstances. Nyomi raised an incredible $12,588 in support of Suicide Prevention Australia and beyondblue initiatives.

“With ABS data telling us that that suicide has increased 43% in ten years, we commend our colleagues from Lifeline for sharing the call from everyday Australians to put a plan in place to turn around this heartbreaking upwards trend devastating individuals, families and whole communities.”

Links to upcoming learning and development training opportunities and various opportunities to participate in lived experience activities across the sector.

16 March 2017, Hobart:  Suicide Prevention Australia today hosted an opportunity for the community sector and members of the public who have been personally impacted by suicide to contribute to the 2025 Strategic Framework for Suicide Prevention.

Last week, Danielle from the SPA team attended the’ Psychologically Safe Workplaces - Innovation in Prevention’ Match as part of the IIMHL Leadership Exchange. This Match was hosted by SPA Member SuperFriend in Melbourne, Victoria. Here’s what Danielle had to say on her return to the office.

This weekend and every day of the year, we acknowledge the work being done by our members and others to strengthen LGBTI health and wellbeing with specific support for suicide prevention policies and programs.

The Suicide Prevention Australia Board was honoured to stand with MPs Julien Leeser and Dr Mike Kelly to launch the first Parliamentary Friends for Suicide Prevention group. This is a group that, regardless of political orientation or agenda, have come together to unite as one to think through what they can contribute to preventing suicide, a public health issue that is very personal to each and every one of them. 

READ: SPA's February e-news with CEO update on the National Coalition for Suicide Prevention's recent workshop to develop a national suicide prevention plan; the upcoming #ZeroSuicide in health care international meeting in Sydney; National Suicide Prevention Conference updates; and other sector and community news and events

Get Reel is a film festival that aims to uncover the greatest new film-making talent, in Australia and New Zealand, by asking entrants to produce a film, less than 10 minutes in length, responding to a specific theme. The festival promotes creativity and has attracted over 1,650 to date. This year's theme will be Time to Talk.

Help us support community members to attend this year's National Suicide Prevention Conference. Donate today to our Community Scholarships Fund. 

On ABC's 7.30 program this week, The Hon. Greg Hunt MP Federal Minister for Health announced four more sites for suicide prevention trials.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has today named Greg Hunt as the new Health Minister in the wake of Sussan Ley's resignation.

Links to upcoming conferences and forum, training opportunities and the guidelines for submitting your story to be shared on our Podcast channel.

SPA is inviting personal stories for our podcast channel from members of the Lived Experience Network. The purpose of sharing these stories is educating our communities and raising awareness of the diverse and complex contributors of suicide. Your story may also be used to guide messages and policy recommendations. 

A note from our CEO Sue Murray, the latest 2017 National Suicide Prevention Conference news and holiday season self care information.

Mental Health Australia (MHA) has today issued a letter outlining concerns in relation to the draft Fifth National Mental Health Plan from a mental health and mental illness perspective. We thank MHA and its members for articulating feedback specific to their area of expertise.

In 2017 Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) celebrates the 15th Annual LiFE Awards recognising excellence in suicide prevention.

We are delighted to announce that we are now welcoming Conference bursary applications.

Abstracts now open for 2017 National Suicide Prevention Conference to be held in Brisbane from 26-29 July.

New research released today by the Hunter Institute of Mental Health (HIMH) examines the views and attitudes of media and public relations students and professionals on the reporting of suicide. 

On Monday 12 December 2016, Suicide Prevention Australia welcomed the Minister for Health, the Hon. Sussan Ley to meet with smaller Member Organisations in the suicide prevention sector. 

SPA Board Director Dr Vanessa Lee poses this important question for us all to consider in her latest Croakey opinion piece after attending the #WeBelong2016 International Forum on Life Promotion to Address Indigenous Suicide in Vancouver, Canada, November 2016. 

Read our submission to the Government in response to the Draft National Mental Health Plan.

Listen to our latest podcasts, two personal stories as told by Lived Experience Network members Trent and Stef.

Artist and Champion for Life, Indigo O’Rourke, donated the proceeds of her exhibition of intriguing pen and ink artworks to Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) in support of suicide reduction.  Her sell-out exhibition – Every Ten Minutes – was designed to “raise awareness and have an honest and sensitive discussion about suicide.”

Board Director Mr Anastasios (Stan) Piperoglou to speak at Parliament House Public Hearing to communicate key concerns by SPA Members

For a summary of SPA’s achievements over the 2015/16 year and to learn what’s next, download a copy of the Annual Review 2015/16. 

The Australian Government has released the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Evaluation Project (ATSISPEP) report, "Solutions that Work: What the Evidence and Our People Tell Us."

A free resource for the suicide prevention network.

Members of Suicide Prevention Australia, and other concerned community members, are encouraged to also make submissions to contribute to the draft plan. To assist others in their submissions, Suicide Prevention Australia offer the following key themes which we believe should be central to all submissions and complement other submissions specific feedback on the draft plan.

Suicide Prevention Australia is extremely proud to announce that His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, has become a Patron for our organisation.

It’s not about “toughing it out” and keeping feelings hidden, the ad urges, but to start a conversation with those around you and reach for help.

Our heartfelt thanks to Lived Experience Network members Hayley and Peta, who join Marisa to share powerful messages of hope and recovery as they tell their stories of suicide attempt survival.

From 14 to 28 October 2016,  a group of mates will walk from Gold Coast to Sydney, covering a distance of 916 kilometres in two weeks, to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention.

The youngest of 10 children from a Tongan family, Liv Ongoongo will be running the 2016 Medibank Melbourne Marathon in memory of her dearly-loved sister who suicided in 2009, and will be fundraising in support of suicide prevention.

We stand with our members and colleagues in supporting marriage equality as just one of a number of steps that need to be taken to reduce stigma and prevent suicide in the LGBTI community.

A new report released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that 3,027 Australians died by suicide in 2015. This is an 5.4% increase from the previously reported 2014 figure of 2,864, demonstrating the need for greater national effort on suicide prevention.

“This report presents an opportunity for Primary Health Networks (PHNs) and local support organisations to learn more about how to care for those who enter our hospitals due to intentional self harm,” says Sue Murray.

A free resource for the Suicide Prevention Lived Experience Network.

September 2016 E-Newsletter - A free resource for the suicide prevention sector.

A new national report released today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, shows just how far-reaching suicide is as a serious public health issue in this country. The project surveying more than 3000 people, is the first Australian study to explore exposure to, and impact of, suicide among a large community-residing adult population.

In support of R U OK? Day and World Suicide Prevention Day this week, SPA member Movember Foundation Australia have launched a campaign called 'Men, we need to talk.'

Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) in collaboration with the University of New England has conducted a national research project investigating the exposure to and impact of suicide in Australia. Preliminary results were presented at the National Suicide Prevention Conference 2016. 

Full report to be released on 10 September 2016 on World Suicide Prevention Day.

Champion for Life, Philippa, tells us her story and why she decided to fundraise in support of Suicide Prevention Australia.

We asked Kelly, one of our Champions for Life, to tell us her story and how she felt about her fundraising experience.

Gay Black takes us through ways to support SPA in your community.

"...a head full of ideas, a heart full of hope and a renewed drive to deliver" SPA CEO on the National Suicide Prevention Conference last month.

Today, we joined our members Black Dog Institute and the NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Suicide Prevention (CRESP) at the announcement of trial sites for a new approach to suicide prevention (four NSW regions – Newcastle, Illawarra Shoalhaven, Gosford/Wyong and the Murrumbidgee).

The Top Ten finalist screening provided a thought provoking night of entertainment with all funds raised going to Suicide Prevention Australia.

The Suicide Prevention Australia Board is delighted to welcome Dr Vanessa Lee as its newest Director.

Suicide Prevention Australia welcomes the Victorian Government’s release of a Suicide Prevention Framework today, a key priority set out in the State’s 10 year Mental Health Plan announced last November.

Many congratulations to our esteemed 2016 LiFE Award winners and those highly commended by our Judging Committee.

It's been a long election campaign and vote counting period but now it is finally over we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the election campaign and highlight our achievements.

Lived Experience Network member and trained speaker Lisa, shares her heartbreaking story of suicide loss with journalist Ginger Gorman as part of the ABC RN Life Matters program on suicide and young men.

A free resource for the Suicide Prevention Lived Experience Network.

To assist all of you voting in the election, we have published a one page snapshot of how the major parties have responded to our key asks.

Suicide Prevention Australia welcomes The Coalition’s $192m suicide prevention and mental health plan announced today. This follows last weekend’s announcement of support for suicide prevention and mental health by the Australian Labor Party.

June 2016 E-Newsletter - A free resource for the suicide prevention sector.

“Government and national organisations like Suicide Prevention Australia can only do so much. We are pleased to see government recognise the value in successful and sustainable suicide prevention being driven at a community level, complemented by State and national coordination. It is our job to support Australian communities to build their resilience and capacity for prevention.”

Suicide Prevention Australia, lead agency for the National Coalition for Suicide Prevention, welcomes the Australian Labor Party's $72m mental health and suicide prevention plan announced by Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten MP today.
 

Final blog in the UK study tour series written by our Head of Communications Kim Borrowdale blog about lessons learned in stakeholder engagement and communications. This blog focuses on time spent with Scottish colleagues responsible implementation, review and revision of the Choose Life Scotland suicide prevention strategy.

SPA releases election manifesto 'Your First 100 days: Make them count' setting out essential first steps required by Government to provide leadership and commitment to help people stay alive.

As a community, we all play an important role in suicide prevention in Australia, raising awareness, providing care and support to one another when confronted by challenges, and speaking out for the vulnerable. For Tracey, the support she received from the community helped her to overcome these challenges. It empowered her to seek help.

SPA Head of Communications Kim Borrowdale on meetings with England Department of Health as well as a number of their delivery partners such as different branches of the NHS along with community based service suppliers like Mind Cambridge.

Australia’s peak suicide prevention body calls for establishment of National Office for Suicide Prevention Suicide Prevention Australia is calling on the 45th Parliament to step up to its responsibilities, show national leadership and cease the piecemeal approach that has led to the concerning suicide rates published today across 28 electorates. “In July the newly elected government needs to establish a National Office for Suicide Prevention within the Department of Health with a remit to secure cross-portfolio approaches to suicide prevention, coordinate data collection and to give priority attention to this significant and complex social issue,” said Suicide Prevention Australia CEO, Sue Murray.

Suicide Prevention Australia was proud to contribute to a report released by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) this week, ‘Mental health funding and the SDGs: What now and who pays?” Read our short blog post about the London launch.

SPA Head of Communications Kim Borrowdale blog post on meeting with National Suicide Prevention Alliance (NSPA) Secretariat and Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

"As someone whose family has been touched by suicide and a communications professional whose job it is to translate the work of those in the suicide prevention sector, I often feel like my emotions are fluctuating somewhere between heartbreak and hope." SPA Head of Communications Kim Borrowdale on attending The Alliance of Suicide Prevention Charities (TASC) UK quarterly meeting.

"Get the small stuff right and it won't stand in the way of the big stuff". SPA Head of Communications Kim Borrowdale talks with Brian Dow, Director of External Affairs for Rethink Mental Illness and Co-Chair of the National Suicide Prevention Alliance (NSPA) and Hamish Elvidge, Chair of Matthew Elvidge Trust/Co-Chair of The Alliance of Suicide Prevention Charities (TASC).

Latest news and views from SPA, members and friends.

SPA team member Kim shares lessons from day one of her UK Learning and Development program and a visit to colleagues at the Centre for Suicide Prevention at the University of Manchester.

Standing beneath an azure blue sky in the shadow of the caterpillar, from the first opening comments by SPA Ambassador Tom Calma and right throughout the conference I was reminded of the importance of the connection to country and of the deep and enduring power of family and kinship. 

Head of Communications to travel to UK to learn international lessons on stakeholder engagement and communications.

Work is underway to implement Victoria’s 10-year Mental Health Plan to achieve better mental health outcomes for Victorians and to save lives.

A free resource for the Suicide Prevention Lived Experience Network.

“If you see a change in the person’s anxiety level, you say to them, ‘Have you made any plans to suicide?’ “You ask them directly. It’s a tough thing …. you’ve got to be very brave,” Lisa says, adding: “That would never have entered my mind prior [to Elliot dying].” Lived Experience Network members Lisa and Mitch share their lived experience of suicide alongside comments from SPA Director Alan Woodward and Martin Fisk of MensLink in relation to research on suicide and young men in particular.

Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) today launched a National survey that will aim to reveal the exposure to, and impact of suicide in Australia.​

Suicides related to firearms in Australia are among the lowest in the world according to data released by the World Health Organisation. Only 8% of suicides in Australia are related to firearms which is in stark contrast to the US where more the 51% of suicides are gun related.

A free resource for the Suicide Prevention Lived Experience Network.

Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) Chief Executive Sue Murray today calls for Australia to take drastic action to stem the tide of suicide, in light of the report released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that 2,864 Australians died by suicide in 2014 (2,160 males and 704 females).

This is an increase of 342 deaths following the previously reported 2013 figure of 2,522. For the past 10 years, the suicide rate in Australia has not dropped.

"I wanted to get the skills to share my story in the hope that I could show others that life is definitely worth living and that it is possible to survive suicide."  Article and blog post on learning from lived experience.

People thinking of starting a new charity should partner with an existing one instead, writes Sue Murray, CEO of Suicide Prevention Australia. Read the full article published by Pro Bono Australia.

A free resource for the Suicide Prevention Lived Experience Network.

We would love to hear from you about any individuals and/or organisations that are working hard each day to build resilience and prevent suicide in communities across Australia.

Today we say "Bon Voyage" to our good friend SPA Ambassador Brendan Cowell as he heads off to live in the UK. 

The team at SPA wanted to say a big congratulations to Ben Hampton of Tour De Byron who, after cycling from Melbourne to Byron Bay with the generosity of time and money given by friends, family and communities along the way, is now home for a well deserved rest. 

Thank you to each and every one of you for your interest in and commitment to our shared goal of halving suicides in ten years.

On Thursday 10 December 2015, we were delighted to welcome SPA Members to our Annual General Meeting (AGM). Our mission is to deliver national leadership for the meaningful reduction of suicides in Australia. This is the driver of SPA’s work to strengthen the quality, focus and collaborative approaches to suicide prevention. We could not do this without you, our members. A very big thank you to you all for joining in our goal to halve suicides in the ten years.

For a summary of progress over the 2014/15 year and priorities for the coming year, download a copy of the SPA Annual Review 2014-15.

Suicide Prevention Australia welcomes the release of the Final Report of the National Ice Taskforce by Prime Minister the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP and suggests Government look to this model to inform suicide prevention.

SPA is encouraged by the Government’s plan to develop services which are more responsive to local needs. 

The NSW Minister for Mental Health, the Hon. Pru Goward MP today launched Communities Matter: suicide prevention for small towns and communities, a practical online resource for local communities to use to help prevent suicide.

De Backman-Hoyle on the SPA Lived Experience Network Leadership Group talks about how we need to make deep rooted systemic change to how our health and wellbeing is supported.

World Suicide Prevention Day will officially launch in Australia at 11.30am AEST Thursday 10 September by Minister Ley

It has been ten years since Lifeline Australia Chairman John Brogden attempted to take his life. Today, SPA stands firmly with John, and members of the National Coalition for Suicide Prevention, including Lifeline Australia, in calling for a national suicide prevention strategy.

On behalf of the Lived Experience Network and with feedback from members, the Leadership Group attended a Public Hearing and also made a submission into the inquiry.

Tips on how you can get involved in World Suicide Prevention Day and R U OK?Day on and around 10 September.

Today at Suicide Prevention Australia’s National Suicide Prevention Conference, Chief Executive Sue Murray will launch Australia’s first comprehensive discussion paper on suicide and suicidal behaviour in women.

The Diego de Leo Opening Address: Governor-General speaks at National Suicide Prevention Conference. Click through to the full news item for a transcript of his speech.

We are delighted to announce the 2015 recipients of the LiFE Awards for Excellence in Suicide Prevention. Many congratulations and thank you to all winners and nominees.

The Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) will officially open Australia’s leading suicide prevention conference when he addresses almost 400 delegates on Monday 26 July 2015 at the at the Grand Hotel Chancellor Hobart.

With a large proportion of Australian men taking their own lives in arguably the prime of their working lives our CEO shines a light on men and employment.

Read SPA letter to MPs: Re Federal Bill to Legalise Marriage Equality

As convenor of the National Coalition for Suicide Prevention (NCSP), we are pleased to see the Government’s plans to implement the recommendations coming out of the National Mental Health Commission Review reinforced in the 2015 Federal Budget.

This past weekend, Australian celebrities and local communities came together for a 24 hour treadmill run. Events ran simultaneously in five locations across the country, raising money and awareness for suicide prevention. These events are known as PPP4SPA – Plebs, Pros & Personalities for Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA).

We, the National Coalition for Suicide Prevention, stand together in striving to reduce suicide deaths by 50% in the next ten years. We are pleased to see the National Mental Health Commission’s (NMHC) National Review of Mental Health Programmes and Services (the review) supports this ambition.

On the eve of ANZAC Day, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the pain and suffering of our servicemen and women and their families who have been touched by suicide. We would also like to recognise all of those in the community working to better the health and wellbeing of our defence personnel. We don’t often take the time to say thank you, not only to our service men and women, but their families, communities and support systems – so thank you!

Suicide Prevention Australia CEO, Sue Murray, says of the Review, “We are pleased to see suicide prevention recognised as core to mental health reform in this country. We will continue to work with The Government to confirm funding extensions and what the Review means in practice for work being done through National Suicide Prevention Projects (NSPP).”

Suicide Prevention Australia, as convenor of the National Coalition for Suicide Prevention, will be very pleased to see the National Mental Health Commission reiterate our goal of reducing suicide in this country by 50% in ten years, meaning more than 1200 people Australians can continue to live contributing lives in their community. This is an ambitious but necessary target to focus our collaborative health and wellbeing priorities.

The uncertainty of funding of vital work being done to respond to and prevent suicide in communities across has caused deep unease in the sector.

Funding uncertainty causing deep unease in suicide prevention sector

Saturday night was party night celebrating International Women’s Day. This annual event is a gathering of wonderful women, generously hosted by one of my friends, who have not only made change happen but reaped the rewards of their hard fought efforts. They hail from the ‘60s, ‘70s ‘80s and beyond – women who share laughter and friendship and a great sense of community.

The Government’s highly anticipated response to the National Mental Health Commission’s review of mental health and suicide in Australia is imminent. This response from government is expected to shape the funding and delivery of the national suicide prevention program.

Suicide Prevention Australia is delighted to announce members of inaugural national Lived Experience Network Leadership Group. Congratulations and welcome to our newly appointed leaders!

A welcome read for the Christmas New Year break is the newly released ‘Living Well: a strategic plan for mental Health in NSW 2014-2024.’ It is a good report that was sadly overshadowed by the tragic events which unfolded in Sydney at the beginning of the week.

“Is evidence only that which is labelled academically robust? What about what works or doesn’t in community programs? The voices of lived experience? Is it time to re-evaluate our definitions of good and poor evidence when it comes to suicide prevention?”

It was not a gathering of the usual suspects who came together last week to discuss research funding principles. It was a rare coming together of organisations across government, business and NFPs with an interest and involvement in research funding.

Any death as a result of suicide is a tragedy. A child who can see no other option other than to end their own life is a tragedy beyond belief.

In recent months, it seems as though we are hearing more and more in the media about our young people killing themselves. But the truth is, we do not have a full picture of the attempts and deaths due to suicide, nor the risk factors contributing to these heartbreaking events. How can we combat what we cannot yet understand?

Today is International Men’s Day, a day to shine the spotlight on men and boy’s health, and celebrate the positive contributions made by men in our communities.

We are pleased to announce that the call for applications to join the inauguralLived Experience Network ‘Leadership Group’ is now open.

I was delighted to see in the news today that ABC Mental As raised almost 1.5 million dollars for mental health research with their Friday Night Crack Up event last week and awareness campaign this month. This is an amazing effort by the ABC, other media networks, health professionals and last, but certainly not least,  Australian public.

As the peak body for suicide prevention, Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) is a strong advocate for public awareness campaigns that aim to reduce the stigma related to mental health and help seeking for suicide, and to increase access to care.

Visiting Canberra during any of the next sitting sessions? Make sure you give yourself time between meetings, back to back is just not possible. The new security measures mean there are no longer unescorted passes available and it is back to the security desk after each meeting to be collected and signed in by the staffer from your next meeting.

Today, news and current affairs journalist, Mike Munro, hosts an expert panel to debate the Australian response to the first ever World Health Organisation (WHO) World Suicide Report.

Australian celebrities have joined together to voice the importance of reaching out and getting connected this World Suicide Prevention Day.

Last night, the World Health Organisation launched the first ever World Suicide Report.*  Suicide prevention is a global imperative and, while some of this information may be known by those in working in the sector, this is the first time we are seeing a full and transparent picture of global efforts to reduce suicide.

My visits started with Senator Bill Heffernan who as always was most welcoming. More importantly he was extremely helpful in opening doors to have conversations with Ministers whose portfolios have relevance to suicide prevention.

I was delighted to see everyone involved in the National Suicide Prevention Conference formally recognised in NSW Parliament this week by The Hon Marie Ficarra MLC and her fellow Members.

Suicide Prevention Australia joins the world in mourning the loss of life of someone who has brought so much humour, joy and empathy to people through his work.

Hear what our CEO, Sue Murray, has to say on the impact of the 2007 recession in Australia on suicide rates.

On Saturday 26 July, more than 200 people gathered in Perth for the final day of the National Suicide Prevention Conference. The final session on the program was dedicated to ‘Harnessing the Voices of Lived Experience.'

Congratulations to our LiFE Award recipients, announced this evening at the National Suicide Prevention Conference in Perth.

West Australians whose lives have been touched by suicide are invited to attend a special session of the 2014 National Suicide Prevention Conference, with an extra 100 tickets on offer to the general public.

Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) urges the government to take further action on refugee suicide prevention recommendations.

The Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) will officially open Australia’s leading suicide prevention conference when he addresses delegates on Wednesday, 23 July 2014 at the Pan Pacific Perth hotel.

A new approach is required to more effectively support people who are suicidal while in health care according to Mr David Covington, co-lead of the American Clinical Care and Intervention Task Force and one of the authors of the report Suicide Care In Systems Framework.

A new report released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that 2535 Australians died by suicide in 2012. 

Most deaths by suicide are among people of working age. Suicide is the leading cause of death for males aged 25–44 years and females aged 25–34 years. 

In 2014 Suicide Prevention Australia is celebrating the 11th Annual LiFE Awards. The Annual LiFE Awards recognise excellence in suicide prevention. 

‘Keeping men and boys safe’ with a key target of tackling suicide among men is the theme for International Men’s Day, 19 November.

Small towns and communities across NSW will have access to a practical toolkit to help drive community-led suicide prevention programs.

With the approach of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, the community is being urged to come together to support suicide prevention services across the country.

Turn up the volume to help halve suicide in Australia by 2023

Today, just one week before the federal election, a national campaign to halve suicides in Australia by 2023 is being launched.

In June 2013 Members were invited to complete an online survey to provide SPA with ideas for the future of SPA and the suicide prevention sector.

Since early 2013, SPA has been working closely with our Lived Experience Committee to better understand the needs of those who have been touched by suicide. 

Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) welcomes the new report by the Mental Health Council Australia (MHCA) and the call for a whole community approach to address mental health with a priority focus on suicide prevention.

Today at the 2013 National Suicide Prevention Conference a panel of experts from around Australia will address the important issues around workplace and suicide prevention highlighting train track suicides, occupational related suicide and the number of suicides in working age men.

Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) the peak body, is bringing together Australia’s leading researchers, practitioners, policy makers, business leaders and those with lived experience in an effort to halve the number of suicides in Australia by 2023.

Today, Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) the peak body, brings together Australia’s leading researchers, practitioners, policy makers, business leaders and those with lived experience in an effort to reduce suicides in Australia.

Suicide Prevention Australia welcomes the Commonwealth and Immigration Ombudsman’s Report released today entitled: Suicide and Self-harm in the Immigration Detention Network.

With the National Mental Health Commission and the COAG Mental Health Reform Working Group giving attention to indicators on suicide prevention for Australia, it is timely to consider what makes suicide prevention strategies work?

Suicide Prevention Australia welcomed today’s announcement of $17.8 million over 4 years to fund the first National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy.

The Hunter Institute of Mental Health is launching the ‘Supporting those who care: Partners in Depression national program outcomes’ report at the Wheeler Centre in Melbourne, on 28 May 2013.

Today, one of Australia’s leading medical journals reported that the current model of suicide risk assessment used in hospitals is “unhelpful” and “unreliable”.

The latest release from the ABS sees for the first time the inclusion of data on the suicide of children and young people under the age of 15 years. 

We are excited to announce the theme and dates of the 2013 Annual National Suicide Prevention Conference.

Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission will be hosting information sessions across Australia.

Suicide Prevention Australia was last night honoured to host the Inaugural NSW Don Ritchie Awards for Suicide Prevention.

Financial Report from June 11 – June 12 is now available.

Mindframe National Media Initiative has announced the changing of roles within the organisation.

This week has been dominated by the release of the National Mental Health Commissions Report Card. Below are just a few of the many articles relating to the report.

The release of the National Mental Health Commission’s (NMHC) Report Card yesterday is a valuable step forward for the suicide prevention community. Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) acknowledge and welcome the report, in particular we are pleased to see that suicide prevention has been set as a matter of national priority.

This Sunday is White Ribbon Day, Police left to fill mental health gaps, Jobless men at risk of suicide in boom time, Australian workers are stressed: study, Report to help tackle suicide in rural and remote areas

Suicidal patients ‘fall through the cracks’, The art of healing suicide: re-creating original narratives to embrace life, New Report Shows Economic Cost of Perinatal Depression, Breaking down language and cultural barriers in mental health treatment, and Those at most risk and needing psychiatric help struggle to get mental health hospital beds

Insuring mentally ill benefits everyone, Time to launch a troll patrol Facebook gets tough, Suicide main cause of rail deaths, Queensland child protection inquiry told Barrettt Adolescent Centre School is set to close, Applications open for new community mental health funding and Suicide Support Line Now Available Around The Clock

We would like to commend the NSW Government for announcing an additional $35 million to help improve access to care and support for people who are dying, their families and their carers.

Congratulations to all the LIFE Award winners at the Annual Nation Suicide Prevention Conference dinner last night.

ABS Report highlights need for a closer look at our suicide data.

Would you like to be on the program at the 12th National Rural Health Conference in Adelaide in April 2013?

Suicide Prevention Australia would like to express condolences to the family of Senator Judith Adams who passed away yesterday after a battle with cancer, fighting to the very end!

Suicide Prevention Australia would like to acknowledge and commend the report released by the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory Select Committee on youth suicide.

Research, programs and innovative technologies emerging from Australian suicide prevention sector were the focus of the National Suicide Prevention Conference held in October, which proved to be a two-day crash course of the sector for Suicide Prevention Australia’s new Chief Executive Officer, Sue Murray.

Our submission to the Senate’s Community Affairs Committee – the Inquiry into Commonwealth Funding and Administration of Mental Health services has been accepted and declassified.

We are pleased to announce that planning for a Melbourne iteration of the hugely successful No Laughing Matter Comedy Gala are now underway.

Suicide Prevention Australia is pleased to announce the 2011 LiFE Award winners.

We are pleased to advise our latest E-newsletter has been released.

We are pleased to advise that our submission to the recent joint select committee looking into Australia’s detention networks has been accepted.

We are pleased to announce the launch of our World Suicide Prevention Day 2011 campaign.

We are pleased to advise our latest e-newsletter is now available.

Suicide Prevention Australia is pleased to announce the opening of the nomination period for the 2011 LiFE Awards.

Suicide Prevention Australia is pleased to announce the launch of its latest position paper; Alcohol, Drugs and Suicide Prevention.

Suicide Prevention Australia is pleased to announce the launch of the No Laughing Matter Comedy Gala!

Suicide Prevention Australia is pleased to release the March 2011 e-newsletter for circulation.

Suicide Prevention Australia are pleased to announce that our upcoming position statement relating to Drugs and Alcohol is available for community consultation. 

Suicide Prevention Australia is pleased to announce the launch of our latest position statement, Youth Suicide Prevention.