Message from The CEO _ Suicide Prevention Austraia

 

Message from the CEO It’s inspiring to see the work our members do to raise awareness about suicide prevention at this time of year. With so many events, campaigns, and conversations taking place throughout the month of September, it's clear that the eyes of the nation are on suicide prevention. This heightened awareness is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we come together.   Last week, 26 MPs attended our World Suicide Prevention Day Breakfast at Parliament House in Canberra, representing all corners of government.   Both speeches from the Prime Minster and Opposition Leader talked to the importance of working together with the sector and the focus on social and economic determinants. Mr Dutton specifically spoke to the importance of funding continuity, which we know is a significant concern for our sector. These points will be valuable in going discussions with the government and will form a key part of our pre-election strategy around the need for greater transparency and accountability.   These coming weeks are critical for suicide prevention. We have the chance to provide feedback to the National Suicide Prevention Office on the draft Advice on the National Suicide Prevention Strategy which was released last week. While we welcome the opportunity for consultation, we are concerned that the document has been framed as advice. We already had advice released in 2020, and it recommended the development of a National Strategy.   We are urging the government to reconsider this approach and realign the document with its original intention – a framework with an implementation plan. Suicide Prevention Australia will be leading a sector submission to this consultation and are encouraging our members to submit their own as well.   The NSPO is hosting a webinar this Thursday 19th at 10am AEST to discuss the draft Advice on the Strategy in more depth. I will be joining the panel alongside Dr Michael Gardner - Head of the NSPO, Susan Edgar – Chair, NSPO Lived Experience Partnership Group, and Dr Alan Woodward – Chair, NSPO Advisory Board.   I hope to see many of you at the webinar as we discuss the path forward.   Nieves

Online Webinar: Sector submission to the draft Advice on the National Suicide Prevention Strategy consultation Suicide Prevention Australia will be leading a sector submission in response to the draft Advice on the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (Draft Advice).  The Draft Advice has been developed by the National Suicide Prevention Office to guide long-term, coordinated suicide prevention activity in Australia. It describes clear actions to help prevent suicide and to ensure that people who are distressed (and those who care for them) can access high-quality, effective supports that facilitate long-term wellbeing.   As part of gaining insights for this submission, we are holding an online webinar and workshop Friday 27 September. Members will be able to hear an analysis of the strategy’s implications and share their insights for incorporation into the sector submission.  Read more here: Advice on the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (consultation draft)   Webinar details Date: Friday 27 September Time: 1.00pm-2.30pm Venue: Online (links to be provided after registering below) Click here to register.

Read our media releases Suicide Prevention Australia issued two media releases in the past month: Young Australians struggling as Draft Advice on the National Suicide Prevention Strategy released today Media Statement: Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Read all current and past media releases here. Inform the next iteration of our National Policy Platform Suicide Prevention Australia’s advocacy activities are guided by our National Policy Platform, which provides a clear, collective voice on key national, systemic priorities. Our current National Policy Platform was launched in 2022 and outlines our policy agenda over a three-year period. We now invite members to participate in consultations to inform the development of the next iteration of our National Policy Platform. Please email the Policy and Government Relations Team by Friday 27 September at policy@suicidepreventionaust.org to participate in the consultations.  Read the 2022-2024 National Policy Platform here.

Chair's Luncheons a great success The Chair's Luncheons were held in Melbourne in August and this week in Perth (photo above of Perth luncheon attendees) with strong engagement from our members in Victoria and Western Australia. It’s so powerful to hear directly from our members regarding challenges and successes. Some of the feedback from attendees: “We think it’s so important to have these conversations and find ways for us all to collaborate in order to achieve change.” “It’s in-person events like these that re-energise and consolidate the connection between Suicide Prevention Australia and stakeholders at a state level.” “It is rare to have time to reflect more deeply on challenges and opportunities.  Bringing us all together is a positive first step!”

Abstracts for National Conference 2025 close soon Submit your abstract to present a paper, a poster, host a workshop or panel-style discussion at the National Suicide Prevention Conference 2025. The closing date for abstract submissions is 30 September.  Your abstract should address the theme ‘Together Towards Tomorrow’, which sets a positive tone for addressing challenges and advancing solutions in suicide prevention.  MORE Bursaries are available for people with lived experience We are calling for bursary applications to the National Suicide Prevention Conference 2025. To be eligible to apply, you should have a lived experience of suicide and be facing financial constraints that would prevent you from attending without a bursary. Find out if you are eligible to apply by visiting the Bursary page of the National Suicide Prevention Conference 2025 website. MORE

2025 LiFE Awards nominate now Each year, the LiFE Awards recognise the important work being done in states and territories across Australia by individuals and organisations to prevent suicide and support those in need.  Five categories recognise the diverse and innovative efforts being undertaken to save lives and reduce suicide: Communities in Action   Outstanding Contribution  Priority Populations  Innovative Practice & Research  Best Practice in Workplace  We encourage you to nominate an individual or organisation making a difference in suicide prevention. Please reach out to the team at events@suicidepreventionaust.org if you have any questions. Nominations close on Monday 28 October 2024. MORE

New programs accredited Two additional programs have recently become accredited under the Suicide Prevention Standards for Quality Improvement 2nd Edition. Congratulations to:  CCC Foundation – Let’s Talk Program Coast & Country Primary Care - Way Back Support Service Take a look at the Accreditation Directory for all programs accredited or registered to undertake accreditation.  MORE 50% subsidy for accreditation To assist members with covering registration costs, we continue to offer organisational members 50% off the cost of getting accredited.    The Accreditation Program provides transparency to funders, government and the public to ensure an organisation’s suicide prevention services are safe, effective, and impactful for those at risk. Commissioning bodies, such as Primary Health Networks and coordinators also consider whether programs are accredited or working towards accreditation under the national standards. It is the only national accreditation program for the suicide prevention sector.    The discounted costs are limited so enquire now by emailing the Quality and Practice Team.  EMAIL

WA Draft Code of practice - Psychosocial hazards at work for fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers The Work Health and Safety Commission and the Mining and Petroleum Advisory Committee of Western Australia are seeking input on the draft code of practice for psychosocial hazards at work for fly-in fly-out workers. To contribute to Suicide Prevention Australia’s submission, please email Stephanie Trainor by 30 September 2024.   EMAIL Prevalence, causes and impacts of loneliness in NSW The NSW Government is conducting an inquiry on the prevalence, causes, and impacts of loneliness in NSW. There is increasing evidence to support the potential links between loneliness and isolation, and suicide risk. To contribute to Suicide Prevention Australia’s submission, please contact Stephanie Trainor by 7 October 2024.  EMAIL Impacts of harmful pornography on mental, emotional, and physical health (NSW) The NSW Government is conducting an inquiry into the impacts of harmful pornography on body image, mental, emotional, and physical health. There is increasing evidence on the links between harmful content and suicide. The terms of reference are available here. To contribute to Suicide Prevention Australia’s submission, please contact Jason Delgado by 7 October 2024. EMAIL

September Member Spotlight: Wesley Mission Wesley Mission has a long history providing suicide prevention services in Australia. This month's spotlight is on Wesley Mission and the range of services it offers, including Lifeline and LifeForce training. MORE Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide The Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide was tabled in Federal Parliament on 9 September. Suicide Prevention Australia made three joint submissions to the Royal Commission with key sector organisations, including Mental Health Australia and Relationships Australia. A number of our joint recommendations were reflected in the Final Report, with 14 recommendations fully addressed and four partly addressed. Two of our joint recommendations that were fully addressed called for the establishment of a new independent entity to oversee system reform and improved veteran suicide data collection. The Royal Commission also made a recommendation focused on preventing, minimising, and treating moral injury. We will advocate for the full and meaningful implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations. READ THE REPORT

Member and Sector News Everymind is developing a new suite of resources in the Life in Mind portal and is calling out for key learnings from sector programs. To contribute learnings from your program, contact Everymind. Mindframe have updated the National Communications Charter. Please ensure you use the latest Communications Charter in communicating with clients and across the sector by linking to the updated version. R U OK? have resources to support colleagues, friends and family every day not just on National R U OK? Day. More

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