Lifeline Hunter Central Coast chief executive officer Gillian Summers has backed Lifeline Australia’s call for a national suicide prevention plan, saying it would help reduce suicide rates in the region.
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Ms Summers said it made no sense that Australia did not have a national plan for an issue that results in the deaths of more than 3000 people nationally each year, almost double the number of people killed on roads.
“Appropriately, we have a national road safety strategy and action plans jointly developed by the Federal and state governments,” Ms Summers said. “We need the same approach to the important health issue of suicide prevention.
“A national plan is a more effective approach because it allows everyone to target what the evidence shows to be the most effective actions.
“This national information sharing approach is particularly important for regional communities that have fewer resources than major centres. We can tailor the implementation of a national plan to the specific needs of our communities.”
Research released last week showed that more than 80 per cent of Australians support the development of a National Suicide Prevention Plan, prompting Lifeline to write to every health minister across the country to urge for a coordinated approach.
Lifeline Australia CEO Pete Shmigel said the study, by leading market research firm Crosby|Textor, included data highlighting flaws in responses to suicide and demonstrated community desire for change.
“We have seen national suicide prevention plans implemented in up to 30 countries around the world and know the lifesaving potential of a coordinated approach to initiatives like suicide hotspots, follow-up support and digital services,” Mr Shmigel said.
“Between 2002 and 2013, for example, Scotland’s 10-year plan achieved an 18 per cent reduction in suicides. Over the same period, Australia saw a 20 per cent increase.”
International evidence prompted Suicide Prevention Australia to bring together Lifeline and others in the field to identify outcomes, milestones and investors needed for a National Suicide Prevention Plan.
“What we need now is Federal, State and Territory Government leadership to guide service delivery at the local level, including through Primary Health Networks who have been actively seeking such support, helping the sector take steps together towards an Australia free of suicide,” Mr Shmigel said.
“While we have great programs, sound research and numerous experts, suicide has climbed to 10-year-plus high levels and continues to cause immeasurable heartache for families and whole communities.”
Lifeline 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp.