Mental Health Survey

Mental ill-health and suicide are significant issues in Tasmania and across the nation.

Since coming to Government we have invested an additional $8.7 million into mental health in Tasmania, including $3 million for range of targeted and proactive suicide prevention initiatives.

Last week the Rethink Mental Health plan was launched, which has been developed in close consultation with the mental health community, including consumers and carers.

The Rethink plan is a detailed roadmap for improved mental health services and support over the next decade.

Today I am pleased to launch an online survey seeking feedback from the community.

The survey seeks the views of people aged over 18 years who work in a role that directly or indirectly involves suicide prevention.

This may include professionals in health, education, emergency services, youth services, counselling and other community development and support services.

The survey seeks to find out priorities for inclusion in the new Suicide Prevention Strategy, new Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy and new Suicide Prevention Workforce Development and Training Plan.

As well as the online survey, a broader consultation process with stakeholders is currently underway.

The Government recognises that effective suicide prevention requires a community-wide response.

Working with the sector, we are progressing initiatives to improve early intervention referral pathways, and improve access to information that will help us understand the needs of Tasmanian communities and better target suicide prevention strategies.

These initiatives will build on work already underway in the community, to increase the capacity of the Tasmanian community to respond to suicide.

Every life lost to suicide, comes at a huge personal cost to families, friends and communities.

We know that well-designed and targeted suicide prevention strategies can work in reducing the number of deaths by suicide.

Doing this requires everyone to play a role, from individuals through to community groups, organisations and all levels of Government.

To find out more about suicide prevention initiatives in Tasmania, and complete the online survey, which is open until 26 October 2015 visit www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/suicideprevention

If you need immediate assistance or support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 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