Creating hope through action this World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September is an important time for reflection, action and hope.
In Australia, we face the stark reality that 3,000 people die by suicide every year, leaving countless families and communities devasted by the consequences.
Yesterday, Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) released its latest State of the Nation report - a survey of the suicide prevention sector - providing insights into the challenges we jointly face in the mental health and suicide prevention sectors.
The survey found that 77% of respondents have seen increased demand for services in the last 12 months, and three out of four respondents require increased funding to meet this demand. Only 9% of respondents indicated that priority populations at risk of suicide are appropriately funded, resourced and responded to. 92% respondents to the survey also believe a whole-of-government approach to suicide prevention is required.
As the national peak for mental health, we continue to work closely alongside Suicide Prevention Australia in calling for a whole-of-government approach to tackle the social determinants of health and mental health; embed lived experience into policy and practice; have improved data systems; and implement community-based mental health services. These are priorities we will continue to champion and advocate for change.
In March 2022, our then newly appointed Chair Matt Berriman called on the government to take up a suicide reduction target of 25% by 2025. To date, this call has unfortunately fallen on deaf ears.
In 2023, Mental Health Australia and Suicide Prevention Australia made a joint submission to the Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal Commission. Our organisations found a need for improved coordination of support services for veterans and their families, as well as further work to improve rates of meaningful employment, social connectedness, and mental health literacy amongst veteran communities.
On Monday, I will be attending a Reception, hosted by SPA, for an update on the Royal Commission at Parliament House in Canberra.
The World Health Organisation’s triennial theme 2021-2023 for World Suicide Prevention Day is “Creating Hope Through Action”. This theme serves as a powerful call to action and reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and that through our actions we can encourage hope and strengthen prevention.
This World Suicide Prevention Day let’s reaffirm our commitment to reduce and one day eliminate the number of lives lost to suicide.
Carolyn Nikoloski
CEO, Mental Health Australia
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