The NorthernTerritory Labor Government has released its 12 Month Suicide Prevention ReportCard ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day tomorrow.
WorkingTogether to Prevent Suicide is the theme of the 2019 World Suicide PreventionDay.
The Report Cardprovides a snapshot of the key achievements of the NT Suicide PreventionStrategic Framework Implementation Plan 2018-2023.
The Frameworkoutlines plans for reducing the burden of loss and grief, and supportingeveryone in our community to live with meaning and purpose.
Top Achievementswithin the Report Card include:
- Community Action Planning (CAP): establishing community planning groups and networks in each region and supporting the development and monitoring of localsuicide prevention actions.
- Community Suicide Prevention Grants: grants of up to $10,000 have been awarded to community groups and non-government organisations to assist in raising awareness about suicide and suicide prevention.
- Funded Training for Staff and Community Members Working with Priority Groups: Targeted training for community members, health and social care staff in supporting vulnerable people. Groups that receive training include:
- LifelinesApplied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) – Central Australia. andBarkly
- AnglicaresApplied Suicide Intervention Skills Training ASIST Training- Top End
- MentalHealth Association of Central Australia Suicide Story Training – CentralAustralia and Barkly
- Matesin Construction Ltd – Mental Health, Suicide Prevention Awareness Program – NTwide
- IndigenistPty. Indigenous LGBQTI+ inclusive practices suicide prevention workshops – NTwide
- OzHelp-Tradies Tune Up Program – Mental Health and Suicide Prevention AwarenessProgram – Darwin and Palmerston
The 12-MonthSuicide Prevention Report Card can be viewed at https://health.nt.gov.au/health-governance/suicide-prevention-strategy-review.
As noted bythe Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:
Suicide has a devastating impact on families, communities andworkplaces. Its down to all of us to do our part to address this veryimportant issue.
Our framework relies on an integrated approach involving differentsectors, programs and services because we recognise a multi-level and multi-facetedapproach is needed to create a healthier Territory.
Our approach ties in with this years World Suicide Prevention Daytheme, which was chosen as it highlights the most essential ingredientfor effective global suicide prevention: collaboration.
This years theme supports taking time to notice whats going on withyour family, friends and colleagues and yourself. It is about taking time tohave those conversations when you notice something has changed and equippingyourself to help yourself and others.
The 12 month Suicide Prevention Report Card will keep our framework ontrack, making sure local projectswithin our communities are supported and networks created for our most at-riskTerritorians.
As noted by the Assistant Minister forSuicide Prevention, Mental Health and Disabilities, Ngaree Ah Kit:
Each year Territory families andcommunities are left to pick up the pieces following a suicide. One life lostto suicide is one too many and the Territory Labor Government is committed toreducing the suicide rate by 50% over 10 years.
I urge all vulnerable Territorians whoare struggling to reach out and let someone know you are hurting. Help isalways at hand. I also urge Territorians to continue checking in with yourfriends and family who are having a tough time, because not every Territorianis able to ask for help.
As a Government, we will continue toshine a spotlight on this very important community issue.
