The Hodgman Liberal Government is serious about taking action on suicide prevention. Since being elected, the Government has committed an additional $3million into targeted and proactive suicide prevention programs.
This includes the development of a new Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Strategy, a Youth Suicide Prevention Plan and a Suicide Prevention Workforce Development and Training Plan.
It also includes mitigating risks if places are known for repeat suicides. In Tasmania, between 60 and 80 people take their own life each year.
Analysis of suicide data showed that there are locations in Tasmania where repeat suicides or attempts have occurred.
From today some practical measures to reduce the risk of suicide at these locations will become operational.
These include emergency helpline phones linked to a 24 hour a day/ 7 day a week telephone crisis support service delivered by Lifeline Australia, and signage which promotes the Lifeline Australia telephone crisis support service.
Every life lost to suicide comes at a huge personal cost to families, friends and communities.
It is a complex issue, and we know that effective suicide prevention needs a community-wide response.
Support
Help-seeking Information:
If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance or support, contact these numbers 24 hours a day/ seven days a week:
Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au
MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78 or www.mensline.org.au
To find out more information and to chat online, contact:
headspace 1800 650 850 www.headspace.org.au
beyondblue 1300 22 4636 www.beyondblue.org.au
Mindframe Resources:
Reporting suicide and mental illness: A Mindframe resource for media professionals
www.mindframe-media.info/for-media or email mindframe@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
