Make the Connection on World Suicide Prevention Day

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day and all Tasmanians are being reminded of the importance of taking action to prevent suicide.

The global theme in 2014 is Suicide Prevention: One World Connected.

World Suicide Prevention Day encourages us to consider how we are connecting with our friends and family, how we connect people in need to services and support and the role of policy and process in suicide prevention.

Working to prevent suicide is everyone’s responsibility, from an individual level through to community groups, organisations and Government.

The Liberal Government takes the issue of suicide prevention very seriously. We acknowledge the toll suicide takes on Tasmanians, their families and communities.

That’s why we’re delivering on our promise to invest $3 million into targeted and proactive suicide prevention initiatives.

The Liberal Government’s initiatives include:

• Investing in early intervention referral pathways for Tasmanians that have attempted suicide and self-harm;
• Working with the Youth Network of Tasmania to develop a Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy for Tasmania;
• Investing in suicide prevention training for key occupations that are well-placed to recognise Tasmanians at risk, and;
• Assisting Tasmanian communities to develop and implement community action plans to prevent suicide.

The World Health Organisation will today release its first report on world suicide prevention, Preventing suicide: A global imperative.

The Liberal Government will continue to work with stakeholders across Australia to connect tangible actions to the observations made by the World Health Organisation.

Through this range of initiatives, the Liberal Government will continue to work with key stakeholders to support those affected by mental health issues and reduce the devastating impact of suicide in our communities.

If you need immediate assistance or support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Mental Health Helpline on 1800 332 388 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

For further information about mental health and suicide contact the SANE Australia helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263) or www.sane.org or www.lifeline.org.au or talk to your local GP, health professional or someone you trust.
Michael Ferguson, Minister for Health