Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 2025 - Government of Western Australia Mental Health Commission
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Government of Western Australia
Mental Health Commission
Western Australian Suicide
Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025
Consultative draft October 2019
DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025 1
NOTE: THE STRATEGIES CONTAINED WITHIN THIS DOCUMENT AND SUBSEQUENT INVESTMENT REQUIRED
ARE DEPENDENT ON GOVERNMENT FISCAL CAPACITY AND ARE SUBJECT TO NORMAL GOVERNMENT
APPROVAL THROUGH BUDGETARY PROCESSES.
This resource was prepared by:
Mental Health Commission
GPO Box X2299
Perth Business Centre WA 6847
Feedback
Any feedback related to this document should be emailed to:
SPActionPlan2025@mhc.wa.gov.au
Acknowledgements
We remember those we have lost to suicide, and their families, friends, loved ones and others affected by their deaths.
We respectfully acknowledge and pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, past, present and emerging,
and acknowledge the diversity and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities today.
The Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 – 2025 (Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2025) is the result of
contributions from many organisations and individuals from across the Western Australian community. These include:
Members of the steering committee, who provided content expertise and insight to further represent the voices of vulnerable
populations and academic experts. Suicide prevention coordinators who were instrumental in bringing together service
providers, local government, non-government, private sector, and community members from across the state, to ensure their
needs were voiced.
Representatives of key state and federal government departments, who were involved in the Advisory Group and showed
leadership and commitment to a whole-of-government approach to address suicide in our communities.
We sincerely thank the community and everyone who had any involvement with or contributed to the state-wide engagement and
shared their experiences and for their dedicated commitment to address suicide in Western Australia.
Accessibility
This publication is available in alternative formats for people with a disability, on request to the Mental Health Commission.
Disclaimer
The information in this document has been included in good faith and is based on sources believed to be reliable and
accurate at the time the document was developed. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information
contained within is accurate and up to date, the Mental Health Commission and the State of Western Australia do not
accept liability or responsibility for the content of the document or for any consequences arising from its use.
Copyright
This work is copyright. It may be reproduced in whole or in part for study or training purposes subject to an
acknowledgement to the Mental Health Commission. Reproduction for purposes other than those above requires written
permission of the Mental Health Commission.
Suggested citation:
Mental Health Commission 2019. Draft Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 to 2025, Mental Health
Commission, Government of Western Australia.
2 DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025
Table of contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction 2
The Western Australia approach 5
The WA Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2025 9
The Action Plan at a Glance 10
Principles 11
Enablers 13
Priority area activities 15
Prevention Priority Area 16
Intervention Priority Area 20
Postvention Priority Area 24
Aboriginal People Priority Area 27
How we developed the plan 28
Everyone has a role in Suicide Prevention 30
Building blocks for a cross government approach 32
What works well 33
Evidence-based Models 33
Factors that influence suicidal behaviour 34
Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting 39
Appendices, glossary and references 40
Need help 50
DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025 1
Introduction 2 DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025 Introduction 2
Introduction
Everyone has a role in suicide territories (14.7 deaths per 100,000 understand how we as a community
prevention. Reducing the rate people) its rate has been consistently can support those vulnerable to
and impact of suicide in our higher than the national average suicide and self-harm, and those
communities requires a whole- (12.1 deaths per 100,000 people) affected by suicide.
of-population commitment; it is since 2008 .
Building on existing programs
not something any single agency,
Between 2014 and 2018, WA had and aligned with State and
level of government or community
the highest age-standardised rate Commonwealth policy directions,
can do alone. The impact of
of suicide among Aboriginal people the Suicide Prevention Action Plan
suicide is far-reaching and
(37.9 deaths per 100,000 people). 2025 supports the WA Government’s
long-lasting; it has a devastating
This was considerably higher than existing commitments to tackling
effect on families, friends and
the national average for Aboriginal the complex issues of suicide and
services which ripples throughout
people over the same period (23.7 sets the direction for future action. It
communities. A 2016 Australian
deaths per 100,000). brings the voices of the community
report indicates that 89% of
and the sector together to provide
Australians knew someone who Suicidal behaviour is complex; many
understanding and guidance for
had attempted suicide, and that factors and multiple pathways may
individuals, communities, private and
85% knew someone who had died lead a person to attempt to take their
non-government organisations and
by suicide . For every person who life. In the quest for effective suicide
government.
takes their life, more than 135 prevention strategies, no single
people experience intense grief or activity stands out above others.
are otherwise affected. A range of strategies focusing on Western Australia statistics
lowering the risks and increasing the Suicide is the leading cause of death
In 2018, 3,046 people died by suicide
protective elements is essential. It is among people aged 14 – 44 years.
in Australia. For every suicide death
imperative to remember that suicide Aboriginal people have a rate of
as many as 25 people will attempt suicide three times higher non-
can be prevented if individuals,
suicide, meaning 78,000 Australian’s Aboriginal people in WA.
communities, government and non-
require appropriate, timely and 15.5% of LGBTI young people in the
government sectors work together Growing up Queer study reported
critical care to support their recovery attempting suicide at some point in
and implement ongoing evidence-
each year. Suicide was estimated their life.
based, coordinated, multilevelled
to account for 108,035 years of 48.1% of young transgender people
activity that supports the creation of a
potential life lost (YPLL) potential in the Trans Pathways study reported
community that experiences optimal
years of life lost for all persons in attempting suicide at some point in
mental health and wellbeing.
Australia in 2017 . their life.
The Western Australian Suicide Problems related to substance use
In 2018, 383 individuals died by were present in 29.4% of deaths by
Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025
suicide in Western Australia (WA); suicide in Australia in 2018.
(Suicide Prevention Action Plan
this is more than one person a day. Mood disorders, including depression,
2025) aims to create a platform for were present in 43.9% of deaths by
WA had the third-highest rate of suicide in Australia in 2018.
all Western Australians to be better
suicide of all Australian states and
educated on suicidal behaviours, and
1
Reference to Aboriginal people throughout this document respectfully are
inclusive of the Torres Strait Islanders.
DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025 3A note about language when talking about suicide
Please remember that suicide is a complex issue and arises from an interaction between many
circumstances in a person’s life. Using safe and inclusive language is helpful when talking about
suicide.
Don't say Why Do say
'unsuccessful suicide’ So as to not glamorise or ‘non-fatal’ or ‘made an attempt on his/her
normalise a suicide attempt life’
‘successful suicide’ So as to not present suicide as a ‘took their life’ or ‘ended their own life’
desired outcome
‘committed’ or ‘commit suicide’ So as to avoid the association ‘died by suicide’ or ‘deaths by suicide’
between suicide and ‘crime’ or ‘sin’
‘suicide epidemic’ To avoid sensationalism and ‘concerning rates of suicide’ or ‘number of
inaccuracy deaths’
4 DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025The Western Australian approach
DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025 5The Western Australian approach
Background During the implementation of National Mental Health Commission
Suicide Prevention 2020, there were (NMHC) supported the development
The WA State Government has so significant developments in the of the Fifth National Mental Health
far been responsible for two suicide Australian and international suicide and Suicide Prevention Plan (the
prevention strategies, covering the prevention literature and research. Fifth Plan). The Fifth Plan has been
period from 2009 to the present. In addition, the Commonwealth and endorsed by the Council of Australian
The Suicide Prevention Strategy - State and Territory Governments Governments (COAG) Health
One Life, which ran from 2009 to committed to a more coordinated Council and sets a clear direction
2013, received funding of $24 million. approach to address suicide for coordinated action by the
It was developed from an analysis of prevention across Australia. Commonwealth, state and territory
almost 20 years of data on suicide governments. The Fifth Plan also
Current research supports
and self-harm in Western Australia, acknowledges the unique challenges
implementing multiple strategies,
a comprehensive literature review faced by Aboriginal people with
delivered simultaneously across a
of suicide prevention research, and the recommendation to develop
range of areas which is referred to as
an extensive state-wide consultation a National Aboriginal and Torres
a systems-based approach.
process. It was also aligned with the Strait Islander Suicide Prevention
former National Suicide Prevention Systems-based approaches that and Implementation Plan. The Fifth
Strategy: Living is for Everyone have emerged since the launch of plan outlines a commitment from
(LIFE). Suicide Prevention 2020 include the government to develop a National
Alliance Against Depression (AAD) Suicide Prevention Implementation
One Life was succeeded by Suicide model, the LifeSpan Integrated Strategy (NSPIS), which is currently
Prevention 2020: together we can Suicide Prevention (LifeSpan) under development.
save lives (Suicide Prevention model, and the Aboriginal and Torres
2020), which received funding of The Suicide Prevention Action
Strait Islander Suicide Prevention
$33.9 million between May 2015 and Plan 2025 was developed within a
Evaluation Project (ATSISPEP)
December 2020. Suicide Prevention framework that uses a whole-of-
framework.
2020 was organised under six key population approach and closely
action areas and provided services To ensure consistency and a focus aligns with the Fifth Plan, the NSPIS
and activities to at-risk populations in on a systems-based approach and some of the systems-based
multiple locations across the state. to address the suicide rates, the approaches mentioned above.
6 DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025The Suicide Prevention Action Plan Suicide Prevention commitment to improving the
2025 Framework (appendix One) mental health and wellbeing of
has four major streams: prevention,
Action Plan 2025 the community, and addresses
intervention, postvention and The Suicide Prevention Action Plan suicide-related findings and
Aboriginal people. Table 1 shows 2025 aims to build on the work of the recommendations of several
the Suicide Prevention Action Plan previous strategies and the state’s reports, including the WA State
2025 approach across the suicide investment of approximately $55 Coroner's Inquest into the deaths
prevention continuum. million over the past 10 years. of 13 children and young people
in the Kimberley and the 2016
It is intended to support in part the
Message Stick Inquiry into
implementation of State Government
Aboriginal youth suicide in remote
strategic documents such as:
areas.
• The Western Australian Mental
The Action Plan, was designed in
Health, Alcohol and Other Drug
consultation with the community,
Services Plan 2015-2025;
government, non-government
• Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) organisations, and the mental health
Declaration; sector. It was developed using
• The State Public Health Plan for the most current data, research,
Western Australia. evaluation and reports, and the
• It also expands on the State expertise of various working and
Government’s continued steering groups.
2
In this document, 'vulnerable populations' refers to those populations who have
a higher risk of suicide and suicidal behaviour. These include: Aboriginal people;
persons who have experienced abuse, trauma, conflict or disaster; refugees and
migrants; prisoners and others in contact with the justice system; lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender and intersex persons (LGBTI); frontline workers, individuals
who have had a previous attempt and people suicide bereaved.
DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025 7It has taken into consideration the intervention, postvention and The Suicide Prevention Action Plan
voices of vulnerable populations as Aboriginal. 2025 is an action-orientated and
well as the lived experiences of those dynamic document which recognises
It can be used by state and
who have been bereaved by suicide, the need for a mix of place based
local government agencies,
and those who have experienced and state-wide activities. It takes
non-government and private
being suicidal. into account the complexities of WA,
organisations and communities to
including the vast distances between
The Suicide Prevention Action Plan help identify their role in suicide
regions and diversity of populations,
2025 provides the framework for a prevention and guide the investment,
and acknowledges the rapidly
coordinated approach to address development, implementation and
changing landscape as we continue
suicide prevention activity in Western evaluation of suicide prevention
to learn from the emerging evidence.
Australia from 2021 to 2025 under activities.
the four priority areas of prevention,
Table 1: Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2025 approach – The Suicide Prevention Continuum
Prevention Intervention Postvention
Priorities - anyone who could Priorities - individuals who are Priorities - people and communities
benefit from learning, knowing, showing early signs of suicidal who have been affected by the death
and doing more about mental behaviour, experiencing suicidal of someone from suicide. These
health and wellbeing, and suicide crisis, including those who have strategies meet bereavement-related
prevention. They may have no recently been suicidal, and the needs that may occur over a lifetime
experience of being suicidal or people who support them. These and focus on providing support
losing someone to suicide or strategies focus on decreasing and limiting the ongoing harmful
they may have extensive personal suicidality and reducing the consequences of a suicide death for
experience. likelihood of suicidal behaviour others.
resulting in death.
Strategies may target the whole >> Support for people and communities
of population, groups within >> Options for people experiencing affected by a suicide death
community and/or groups known suicidal crisis
>> Streamlined notification processes
to be at higher risk. Activities are
>>Competent and confident
aimed at preventing the onset of >> Build community capacity to respond
assistance for people who are suicidal
suicidal behaviour. to the needs of those affected by a
>> Restricting the means of suicide suicide death
>> Community engagement and
awareness to support positive change >> Appropriate aftercare support
>> Mental health and wellbeing
education, and suicide prevention
training for communities
>> Responsible reporting of suicide in
the media
Aboriginal People
Priorities - Aboriginal People from a Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) approach. SEWB acknowledges that connections to
land, culture, spirituality, family and community impact on the wellbeing of Aboriginal people.
>> Development of a Western Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy with dedicated regional streams.
8 DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025The WA Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2025
DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025 9The Action Plan at a glance
Vision Goal Purpose
A Western Australian community To reduce the rate of suicide To provide the framework for
that experiences optimal mental attempts and death by suicide in a coordinated approach to
health and wellbeing Western Australia address suicide prevention
activity in Western Australia
from 2021 to 2025
Guiding principles
Everyone has a role in suicide prevention Evidence-informed, integrated, cross- Communities are empowered to lead
sectoral approaches are needed local efforts which are tailored to local
Recognition that lived experience is circumstances and priorities
essential to inform suicide prevention Quality and timely interventions are
activity available across the lifespan Individuals, families and communities are
supported to recover
Community wellbeing and resilience are Earlier intervention to prevent and
fundamental manage crisis A sustainable service system, which
takes into account the limited resources
Care is culturally appropriate and Support and care is matched to individual available
compassionate needs and preferences
Enablers
Better use of data, information Inclusiveness for all Western Partnerships, collaboration, Acknowledgment of the role
and evidence to support suicide Australians, including those at and coordination of activities for that trauma and the social
prevention increased risk better outcomes determinants of health have in
suicide prevention
Priority areas
Prevention Intervention Postvention Aboriginal People
Community engagement and Options for people Support for people and Facilitate the development of a
awareness to support positive experiencing suicidal crisis communities affected by a Western Australian Aboriginal
change suicide death and Torres Strait Islander
Competent and confident Suicide Prevention Strategy
Mental health and wellbeing assistance for people who are Streamlined notification with dedicated regional
education, and suicide suicidal processes streams.
prevention training for
communities Restricting the means of
suicide
Responsible reporting of
suicide in the media Appropriate aftercare support
following a suicide attempt
10 DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025Principles
Principles Recognition that lived experience Evidence-informed, integrated,
is essential to inform suicide cross-sectoral approaches are
These principles underpin the prevention activity needed
Western Australian Suicide
People with a lived experience of It is preferable for activities to be
Prevention Action Plan 2021-
attempted suicide or who have produced and implemented on the
2025. They are drawn from the
been bereaved by suicide have basis of evidence about what does
draft national suicide prevention
great knowledge and expertise and does not work. When directly
implementation strategy for
as do their families, carers and relevant evidence is unavailable,
Australia’s health system: 2020 -2023
communities. The development and programs informed by evidence
and have been slightly modified
implementation of suicide prevention and best practice methods in
to present a Western Australian
strategies must include their voices, similar fields can be implemented.
perspective. In the development,
and activities should be co-designed The insights of people with lived
commissioning, and implementation
with people with a lived experience. experience of suicide; traditional
of suicide prevention activity it is
forms of knowledge, such as from
crucial these principles are adhered Community wellbeing and
Aboriginal people and unique cultural
to every step of the way. resilience are fundamental
perspectives, can form part of the
Everyone has a role in suicide Connection to community, a sense evidence base for effective suicide
prevention of belonging, equity and inclusion, prevention. Continual development,
willingness to engage in solutions implementation and evaluation
Having a role in suicide prevention and safe gathering places all of existing and future initiatives is
activities is in every person’s, contribute to community wellbeing crucial.
community’s and government’s and resilience. Fostering social
interest, because suicide impacts connections, creating community
the entire community. It is far- safety and protecting against
reaching and long-lasting, with adversity will enable communities
the potential to touch everyone to adapt, recover and thrive through
directly and indirectly. Whilst the times of change and unpredictability.
reasons for suicide are complex
and multifaceted, many suicides are
preventable. Everyone is encouraged
to take a role in suicide prevention,
no matter how great or small.
DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025 11However, it is also important that any Support and care is matched to Communities are empowered
evaluations of suicide prevention individual needs and preferences to lead local efforts which are
programs or activities are open to It is essential that individuals, their tailored to local circumstances
trialling new, innovative and non- families and communities have a and priorities.
traditional initiatives for prevention voice: care must be tailored to the Suicide prevention approaches
and early intervention. person’s circumstances, needs and are more effective when they are
underlying causes of distress. For community-driven and led, and
Quality and timely interventions
some people this will involve mental reflect the social, emotional, cultural,
are available across the lifespan
health treatment or cultural healing. socio-economic and spiritual
Evidence shows us that early
For others relationship counselling, needs of the community. WA is an
identification and effective
employment or housing support expansive and diverse state, with
management of individuals who
could be what is needed most. each region having its own unique
are seeking help is key to reducing
circumstances and challenges. Local
suicides. A variety of services need Care is culturally appropriate and
people are best placed to determine
to be equipped to deliver evidence- compassionate
what is required for their community.
informed and culturally secure The diversity of individuals and
Their local knowledge, experiences
interventions that prevent and communities needs to be valued and
and stories are essential for making
respond to psychological distress respected. Care which is kind and
a difference.
and suicide-related experience for compassionate without prejudice,
people of all ages. racism, stigma or judgement is Individuals, families and
essential. A compassionate approach communities are supported to
Earlier intervention to prevent and
requires an understanding of where recover
manage crisis
the person came from, what they are Compassion, understanding, and
Shifting the focus to earlier
connected to, how they got to where coordinated and practical support
interventions, such as addressing
they are now and how they can move is required over the long-term to aid
risk and protective factors can have
forward. People with lived experience recovery from the impact of suicide.
significant advantages for the whole
report compassionate care is vital to
population. At the individual level, A sustainable service system,
their successful recovery.
early intervention is critical for those which takes into account the
showing signs of suicidal crisis, as limited resources available
is a SEWB holistic approach for Governments, service providers and
Aboriginal people. communities must acknowledge
resources fluctuate (sometimes
dramatically) over time. Strategies
for sustainability must be considered
including the sharing of information,
collaboration across services and
working across governments.
12 DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025Enablers
Suicide Prevention Action Inclusiveness for all Partnerships,
Plan 2025 activities can be
implemented effectively only if the
Western Australians, collaboration, and
identified enablers are activated. including those at coordination of
risk activities for better
Better use of data, The Western Australian population
outcomes
information and is diverse and prevalence of suicide Many of the factors that can influence
evidence to support rates are skewed for certain groups. suicide prevention occur in non-
suicide prevention Certain groups in the community are health settings. Close working
disproportionately affected by suicide. relationships between governments
Improving the quality of evidence Consideration of diverse cultures, at the local, state and national
for suicide and suicide prevention languages, genders and sexualities level, private and non-government
activities is fundamental for is essential. Equally essential is sectors, research institutions and
the continuous improvement of the acknowledgment of situational key community groups are essential.
community outcomes. Improved stresses (such as relationship Funding models must promote
reporting of and learning from deaths breakdowns, job loss, draught etc) collaboration.
by suicide needs to occur to help that can affect individuals, families
inform future suicide prevention Activities required to ensure enablers
and communities at different times.
activities. Promoting evidence- are activated include:
Activities required to ensure enablers
informed innovation, accompanied by • The Mental Health Commission
are activated include:
thorough evaluation, will help build (MHC), with appropriate resource
the evidence for new approaches. • Empowering the voices of allocation will utilise Suicide
vulnerable populations, including Prevention Action Plan 2025, as
Activities required to ensure enablers
Aboriginal, youth, migrants, a guiding document to facilitate
are activated include:
refugees, LGBTI people, people and lead a coordinated whole-of-
• Improved data collection, who have attempted suicide, government response to suicide in
particularly at the community people who have been bereaved Western Australia.
and population levels, relating to by suicide, people living in rural
• Provision of appropriately qualified
increased personal and community and remote areas, people in the
metropolitan and regionally based
resilience to suicide. justice system and first responders.
staff who engage with local
• Collection of both qualitative service providers, community and
and quantitative data including stakeholders to coordinate and
descriptive narratives from service support regional (and local) suicide
providers. prevention initiatives.
• More academic research and • Definition of the roles and
practical information sharing responsibilities of federal, state, local
between suicide prevention and non-government organisations
professionals and communities in regards to suicide prevention,
with lived experience. intervention and postvention in each
region to address duplication and /
or service gaps.
DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025 13• Provision of opportunities for
MHC-funded service providers to
engage with each other regularly to
support a more cohesive approach
We need to address the
to strategy delivery and improve
widespread pervasive
consumer pathways.
hopelessness and social
• Greater alignment with mandated context rather than treating the
Local Government Community symptomatic cycle of ‘argument
Health Plans on practical /suicide threat / police / ED /
initiatives. repeat’; The Office of the Chief
Psychiatrist and the Mental
Acknowledgment Health Commissioner should
of the role that recognise the Uluru Statement
from the Heart to show that
trauma and the we recognise and support
social determinants Aboriginal voices at the highest
of health have in level. Suicide and hopelessness
requires a system response
suicide prevention to a system issue rather than
Suicide prevention is more effective treatment solely as an individual
when integrated with broad malaise.
responses to the social and cultural Regional Service Provider (WA Suicide
Prevention Action Plan 2021-2025
determinants of poor health and Engagement Report
wellbeing, including childhood
trauma, family violence, poverty,
displacement, experiences of
discrimination, lack of education
opportunities, isolation, loneliness
and alcohol and other drug use.
• Collaboration across governments
in equitable partnerships with
local communities to address the
social contexts and determinants
that drive hopelessness in
communities.
• Addressing homelessness,
violence, child neglect, alcohol and
other drug related-harms poverty
etc.
14 DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025Priority area activities
DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025 15Prevention priority area activities
Prevention priorities are aimed at 1.2 Addressing the stigma of mental
anyone who could benefit from health and suicide in communities
learning, knowing, and doing more through community designed and led
about mental health and wellbeing, universal prevention and promotion
Stigma
and suicide prevention. They may initiatives at state, regional and Stigma related to suicide
have no experience of being suicidal community levels. remains a major obstacle to
or losing someone to suicide or suicide prevention efforts.
1.3 Expanding of public awareness
they may have extensive personal Those who are left behind or
ecampaigns to assist communities to who have attempted suicide
experience. Strategies may target
connect with the best mental health often face considerable stigma
the whole-of-population, groups
and suicide (prevention) information, within their communities, which
within it, and/or groups known to be may prevent them from seeking
support, and services with the
at higher risk. Activities are aimed help. Stigma can subsequently
capacity to be localised as required.
at preventing the onset of suicidal become a barrier to accessing
behaviour. 1.4 Celebrating those with diverse suicide prevention services.
cultures, languages, genders and
sexualities within the community and
Community at the service provision level.
engagement and
1.5 Recognising and empowering
awareness to youth voices in mental health or
support positive suicide prevention discussions
change and leadership through greater
participation in decision-making, co-
Communities play a critical role in
production of prevention initiatives
suicide prevention. They are able
and advice to services.
to access knowledge to identify
and implement specific suicide 1.6 Providing dedicated peer-
prevention strategies relevant to based mental health and wellbeing
their situation. This may include education and support for vulnerable
enhancing broad government populations with a key focus on
strategies by localising them and/ Aboriginal people, LGBTI young
or coming up with specific activities people and men in rural and remote
unique to their community. communities
1.1 Empowering local people 1.7 Investigating community-based
to determine and deliver those initiatives to reduce loneliness and
methods of suicide prevention increase social connections for high-
that are most appropriate for their risk populations.
community through increased and
more accessible grassroots suicide
prevention resourcing.
16 DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025Case study - Think Mental Health
The Think Mental A new TMH Men’s Campaign Baseline research was when prompted. At- risk
(the campaign) was developed conducted prior to the launch men were significantly more
Health Program in response to consistently of the campaign to understand likely to talk about their
(TMH) has been built high suicide rates among men trends in community mental health needs with a
in Western Australia (WA). knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, professional as well as with
on the premise that In 2017 over 70 per cent of intentions and behaviours family/friends as a result of
strategies developed suicide deaths in WA were in relation to mental health seeing the campaign.
men. The highest prevalence and wellbeing, mental health
for mental health of suicide was among men issues, help seeking, and Awareness of the campaign
aged 25 to 54 years who were barriers to help seeking was also high amongst family
promotion will have
consequently chosen as (stigma). Research will be and friends with 29% of family
a flow-on effect for the primary target audience conducted to monitor and and friends spontaneously
for the current phase of the track attitudinal measures over aware of the campaign and
suicide prevention. TMH Men’s Campaign. The time. 69% demonstrating awareness
For example, building secondary target audience is when prompted. The campaign
people who support men, such A post-campaign evaluation was also felt to strongly
protective behaviours as partners, friends, family, or indicates that the messages educate family and friends:
that promote mental colleagues. taken out by males were on 57% said it made them think
target, with the availability about the mental health and
health and wellbeing, The main communication of help and encouragement wellbeing of males close to
or seeking early messages of the campaign of help-seeking registering them; 49% were made aware
were designed to motivate strongly. As a result of of the TMH website; 48% were
support when people who may be seeing the campaign more provided advice on how to
experiencing mental health than a quarter (28%) of all approach someone they are
mental health is
issues, or family and friends males had taken some form concerned about; 38% were
compromised, will of these people, to talk to each of action. When looking at made aware of the support
other when things aren’t going the measures known to be tools and tips available; and
translate into fewer so well and to connect them important in campaign cut- 37% were made aware of the
incidents of suicidal with mental health information, through and effectiveness, symptoms of a mental health
support and help appropriate the campaign performed issue.
behaviour. to their situation and needs. extremely well amongst males The next phase of the
This included: on Novelty, Affective Impact, campaign will build upon these
TMH focuses on assisting • what to look out for when and Relevance - sitting within results to increase confidence
people connect with the best you or someone else the top 25% of all Australian in recognising signs and
information, support, and isn’t going so well; campaigns tracked to date. symptoms and supporting
services for their particular • how to start the others in getting the right help
situation. To achieve effective conversation and what At-risk men were those to support their mental health
outcomes for mental health to say; with a diagnosed mental and wellbeing.
and suicide prevention, a • options on getting help health condition or who had
broader focus has been and support; and experienced a significant
taken to emulate the success • what to do in a crisis life event in the previous
achieved by other high-profile situation. two years. The campaign
population based behaviour was particularly effective in
change campaigns, such as reaching at-risk men with 70%
tobacco control. recognising the campaign
DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025 17Mental health and 2.2 Empowering peer support groups
and networks that deal with mental
wellbeing education, health and suicidal ideation through
and suicide appropriate recognition, supervision
prevention training and resourcing.
for communities 2.3 Providing education and training
that addresses the wider social
Many people who are experiencing
context within which mental health
suicidal thoughts communicate
and suicidal ideation develops,
distress through their words or
and focusing on building stronger
actions but these warning signs
protective behaviours in at-risk
may be missed or misinterpreted.
populations.
Training can provide people with
the knowledge and skills to identify 2.4 Providing mental health and
warning signs that someone may be wellness education, and suicide
suicidal, talk to them about suicidal prevention training in schools.
thoughts and connect them with
2.5 Facilitating opportunities for
professional care.
reconnection to culture and country
Activities required to ensure this for Aboriginal people.
priority is achieved include:
2.1 Expanding mental health and
suicide prevention training and
education to a wider cross section
of the community through easily
accessible and culturally appropriate
formats.
18 DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025Responsible Community suggestions
reporting of suicide • Co-designing and co-producing
Empowering local people to
national and state based prevention
in the media messages such as RUOK?
determine those methods of
suicide prevention that are most
Suicidal behaviour can be influenced and Think Mental Health with
apt for their community will
through the media. Media guidelines community members to reflect a
ensure local buy in, innovation,
supporting the responsible reporting more localised approach.
social inclusion and a sense of
of suicide can reduce suicide rates, • Encouraging community members belonging. Every community
and improve awareness and help- to actively check-in on, and listen appears to have the ‘right’ answer
seeking . to, family and community members for addressing suicide in their
Activities required to ensure this everyday. context and all display great
priority is achieved: • Holding public events to showcase levels of insight and innovation
cultural, language, gender and in methods. These methods
3.1 Working with journalists to
sexuality awareness. often manifest in community
increase their competency with
• Providing greater social outreach and social engagement activities
respect to the MindFrame reporting
opportunities through existing and whilst these initiatives may
guidelines.
youth services. not always be evidence based,
3.2 Educating communities, they are critical to providing
particularly school age youth and local ownership, hope and the
parents, about identifying distress necessary community dialogue
and cries for help on social media to support more evidence based,
and the application of Mental Health prevention.
First Aid-style principles in online Engagement summary 2019
environments.
19 Prioritising and Progressing Actions DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025 19Intervention Priority Area
Intervention priorities are aimed 4.3 Addressing the critical lack of Community Suggestions
at individuals who are showing after-hours support for people in • Accessing options for those people
early signs of suicidal behaviour, suicidal crisis outside of emergency who prefer to avoid local services
experiencing suicidal crisis. This departments (EDs) and anonymous due to lack of anonymity in small
includes those who have recently helplines, especially in rural and towns;
been suicidal, and the people who remote settings.
• Crisis helplines with the ability
support them. These strategies
4.4 Providing alternatives to EDs to retain personal information
focus on decreasing suicidality
for those in mental distress and/or on previous callers that can be
and reducing the likelihood of
suicidal crisis. accessed upon request/permission
suicidal behaviour resulting in
to avoid having to retell personal
death. 4.5 Reducing the stigma and fear
stories;
of calling the police for people
experiencing acute mental distress • Opportunities for face-to-face
Options for people and suicidal behaviour. connection in non-clinical safe
experiencing haven café settings for open,
4.6 Redesigning existing EDs
suicidal crisis settings to more compassionately
normal discussions without the
need to feel shame;
Suicidal behaviour is complex cater for those in mental distress.
• Expansion of the Police Mental
and there are many reasons why
4.7 Increasing access to appropriate Health Co-Response model;
someone may be having suicidal
mental health and support services
thoughts. Early intervention and • In emergency departments provide
for the specific needs of targeted
providing people with a range of safe, quiet, low light environments in
vulnerable populations and including
support and/or treatment options can separate rooms that lessen distress
those relating to family and domestic
reduce the risk of someone taking and can also account for cultural,
violence, homelessness, alcohol and
their life. language, gender or sexuality
other drug use and/or trauma.
security;
Activities required to ensure this
4.8 Expanding access within schools • Increase resourcing for Aboriginal
priority is achieved include:
and specific services for children social and emotional wellbeing
4.1 Providing increased and equitable and young people in mental distress workers and Aboriginal liaison
access to mental health and SEWB and suicidal crisis across the WA. officers across the State; and
services for people in mental distress
• Provide non-clinical youth worker
and/or with suicidal ideation.
style support and interventions.
4.2 Facilitating access to culturally
appropriate healing-centred practices
and recovery options for migrant and
refugee populations. Suicide and self-harm are not black and white but the responses
always are - ED or not, medication or not. You can still have those
thoughts every day and self-harm but not want to act on them. You
need complex help, and medication or ED shouldn’t be the first and
only option.
Regional LGBTI Teenager
20 DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025Case study -
Mental Health Co-Response Program
The Mental Health from frontline police officers to observe and screen Perth Watch House
who suspect a member of the detainees as they are 8,671 detainees screen by the
Co-Response community is experiencing processed and provide mental health practitioner.
Program (MH-CR) a mental health episode; and further assessment if
the admission of arrested needed. A total of 705 referrals were
was implemented people with mental health 4. MH-CR Unit which co- made from the Perth Watch
in January 2016 in issues or a history of mental locates WA Police and House (139 to mental health
health intervention to the Perth Department of Health court liaison services, 383 to
response to increased Watch House who require personnel and provides external mental health services
assessment, monitoring and managerial oversight. and 183 to other community
demand on Police to
diversion pathways. services).
attend and manage Over the course of the two-
The MH-CR trial, which year trial the following results An independent evaluation
incidents that involved incorporated mental health were achieved: of the trial showed benefits
a mental health expertise at each stage of to resource allocation, the
police involvement – from Police Operations Centre safety and wellbeing of
element. the point of dispatch, to the 20,149 tasks reviewed by the officers and mental health
point of physical contact at mental health practitioner consumers, and interagency
This increase in demand the scene, and following arrest including welfare checks, collaboration at each stage
coincided with national within the custody setting, was missing persons and mental of the model. Findings also
concerns about the ability the first of its kind in Australia. health incidents. indicated that although Police
of police officers to respond There are four components are being called to a growing
appropriately to mental health which support the delivery of Mobile Teams number of mental health
incidents. The MH-CR is a the MH-CR model: 2,907 mental health consumers incidents, the majority are not
joint initiative between the 1. Police Operations Centre were engaged/assessed by criminal incidents. Interviews
WA Police Force, the WA MHC where a Mental Health Co-Response teams (1,318 by revealed that mental health
and Health Service Providers Practitioner is located to the South East Metropolitan consumers and their carers
(HSPs), and enables police obtain and share relevant District mobile team and 1,589 engaged positively with the
and mental health clinicians to information from health by the North West Metropolitan MH-CR model and saw it as a
share information and jointly databases. District mobile team). significant improvement over
attend crisis situations where 2. MH-CR Mobile Teams the traditional crisis response
mental illness is identified as a which include an There were 328 and 389 used by police. The MH-CR has
likely factor. Authorised Mental referrals to mental health and strengthened the partnership
Health Practitioner and other community services by between the WA Police Force
The MH-CR model provides a uniformed Police Officers the South East Metropolitan and mental health services,
distinct multiagency service in an unmarked vehicle District mobile team and leading to improved overall
responding to particular to respond to incidents the North West Metropolitan mental health and wellbeing
mental health-related involving a mental health District mobile team outcomes for consumers. In
circumstances, including calls crisis. respectively. response to the success of
for assistance where a mental 3. Perth Watch House the trial, the MH-CR has since
health or welfare concern has where an Authorised been expanded to cover the
been indicated; requests for Mental Health whole Perth metropolitan
advice, guidance or assistance Practitioner is on duty area.
DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025 21Competent and 5.5 Acknowledging the high burnout Restricting access to
rates of staff, in particular those in
confident assistance community prevention, isolated rural
the means of suicide
for people who are and remote counselling roles and Reducing access to the means of
suicidal outreach and volunteer workers. suicide is one of the most effective
suicide prevention strategies. Making
Those who support people in suicidal 5.6 Providing local services with
it more difficult for a person to access
crisis need to have the knowledge access to more timely and accurate
means, or by interrupting a person’s
and skills to provide care that will regional self-harm, suicide attempt
immediate means for taking their life,
make the person seeking help feel and death by suicide data regionally
allows time for the suicidal crisis to
safe and reduce their risk.
Community suggestions pass. This, coupled with encouraging
Activities required to ensure this • Increase trauma-informed training help-seeking and the intervention of
priority is achieved include: and practices embedded in WA a third party significantly reduces the
Police and ED settings, and other potential for suicide.
5.1 Expanding Mental Health First
Aid, ASIST, Gatekeeper and other human services such as Centrelink Activities required to ensure this
culturally appropriate training to all and Department of Housing; priority is achieved include:
health, mental health and primary • Providing for early intervention
6.1 Coordinating a multi-agency
care staff. within schools through school
collaboration across government
psychologists and chaplains;
5.2 Embedding culturally secure, to identify and establish barriers or
trauma informed and compassionate • Up-skill family members and mechanisms that can interrupt the
procedures and responses into volunteers within communities suicidal process.
EDs as well as crisis and support with strong yarning and distress
6.2 Manage alcohol and other drug-
services. management skills (and pay them
related harm in the community.
as local suicide prevention liaison
5.3 Implementing consistent
officers); 6.3 Establishing cross-functional
assessment and early intervention
• Provide free and easily accessible working groups on suicide means
frameworks and services for suicidal
counselling for community restriction as part of suicide
ideation and behaviour.
members, volunteers and families prevention planning.
5.4 Recognising and supporting peer who are ‘holding it together’
support and response models for for people in crisis within their
people in acute mental distress and communities.
suicide crisis
22 DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025Appropriate 7.2 Empowering, equipping and Community suggestions
supporting families and carers to
aftercare support successfully navigate mental health
• Regular follow up counselling of
high-risk individuals (beyond the
following a suicide and suicide prevention networks and 10 sessions a year covered by
attempt systems. Medicare rebates);
Aftercare refers to the care, 7.3 Providing families and carers with • Create continuity of care with the
treatment, help or supervision accessible and formal peer support, same professional staff to build
received by people after a suicide community based support and up a rapport rather than having to
attempt, and extends to family and education, and respite opportunities re-explain details to new staff at
carers. Evidence tells us that a in the ongoing recovery phase each visit;
suicide attempt is the strongest risk • Offer in-home support services
factor for a subsequent suicide, and and home visitation; and
the period of highest risk is following • Resource volunteer and peer
release from hospital or medical support services during times of
treatment. Appropriate aftercare is need to provide emotional and
essential in suicide prevention. practical support.
Activities required to ensure this
priority is achieved include:
7.1 Address major breakdowns in
after care following a suicide attempt
through increased safety planning
and referral pathways post discharge
from hospital or medical treatment.
DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025 23Postvention Priority Area
Postvention refers to intervention Support for people 8.2 Providing ongoing practical and
after a death by suicide, to financial support to families directly
support affected individuals and
and communities affected by a suicide in locally and
communities. It aims to assist affected by a suicide culturally relevant ways.
people who are bereaved (family, death 8.3 Increasing access to dedicated
friends, professionals and peers)
Bereavement due to suicide can be and ongoing postvention and
to recover from trauma, major
complicated. The often sudden and bereavement services for families,
stressors, and cope with grief and
sometimes unexpected nature of the communities, children and young
loss.
death can be extremely traumatic people bereaved by suicide.
Postvention priorities target people
and in addition to grief the bereaved 8.4 Educating service providers
and communities who have been
can experience shock, isolation, on suicide postvention evidence,
affected by the death of someone
questioning 'why' anger, rejection best practice models and available
from suicide. These strategies meet
and guilt. Bereavement by suicide pathways to support.
bereavement-related needs that may
is a specific risk factor for suicide
occur over a lifetime and focus on
attempt among young adults whether
providing support and limiting the
they are related to the deceased or
ongoing harmful consequences of a
not and it is important that people
suicide death for others.
and communities are supported
appropriately to prevent further harm.
Activities required to ensure this
priority is achieved include:
8.1 Establishing clear scope of service
and protocols for suicide postvention
coordination between existing federal,
state and community based services
and roles.
In the immediate aftermath of a suicide, the bereaved need immediate
practical and financial support in order to be allowed the time to
grieve. This includes meals, extended leave from workplaces and
assistance preparing memorials. Person-centred care is required as
there is no universal answer to postvention support.
Engagement summary 2019 (WA Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021-2025
Engagement Report)
24 DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025Build community Streamlined Community suggestions
capacity to respond notification • Develop clear and agreed
postvention network support
to the needs of those processes pathways (at the local level) for
affected by a suicide Real-time and better integrated families and affected communities.
death data at the community level will help • Provide meals and 'sorry time'
provide responsive suicide prevention specific foods, bedding and power-
The painful experience of grief and
services and supports. Systems cards for visiting family and friends.
bereavement following suicide loss
across government will assist with • Provide transport for family support,
is further complicated by the effects
suicide prevention policies and the and funeral arrangements;.
of stigma and trauma. Increasing the
transfer of research findings into
skills and knowledge of communities • Educate services on how to support
practice.
to be able to respond safely, people bereaved by suicide and the
appropriately and in a manner that Activities required to ensure this language to use.
does not inadvertently cause harm is priority is achieved include: • Support community-based services
essential. 10.1 Improving the timely and such as community groups and
Activities required to ensure this accurate reporting of suicide deaths in events, yarning groups and
priority is achieved include: Western Australia memorial activities.
9.1 Facilitating the development of 10.2 Establishing more consistent
community-designed and agreed and timely reporting of WA Police and
crisis/postvention plans and protocols hospital data on self-harm, suicidal
for high-risk populations. ideation and suicide attempts to public
mental health, Aboriginal Community
9.2 Providing dedicated opportunities
Controlled Health Organisations
and resourcing for ongoing
(ACCHOs) and non-government
community and peer level healing.
services in the community.
As well as increasing public awareness of the impact of suicidal
behaviour we must look to educate and empower individuals and
communities in how to get help, give help and save lives.
The Ripple Effect: Understanding the exposure and impact of suicide in Australia
DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025 25Case study -
Metropolitan Suicide Prevention
Coordinator (SPC) Postvention Project
In 2018, members The proposed community In an Australian first, the The process of testing and
postvention model would be Metropolitan SPC team has reviewing the effectiveness of
of the Metropolitan informed by international and been working with Bowra & this community postvention
SPC Postvention Australian evidence and be O’Dea to co-design and pilot model will continue to the end
flexible enough to be adapted a community postvention of 2020 and is being formally
Development to ‘best-fit’ by the broad range model which will equip staff evaluated by UWA and a group
Group (over 30 of potential stakeholders in the to work appropriately with of experts with experience of
metropolitan area. suicide bereavement funerals, working with people bereaved
key government, including: by suicide. The findings
The first group which identified • a training package covering: will consider the potential
community and
an interest in trialling such the use of appropriate application of this model to
lived experience an approach was Bowra & language; de-mystifying broader community contexts.
O’Dea Funeral Directors. Their stigma and myths around
representatives) 112 staff perform over 3 500 suicide; understanding
agreed to develop funerals in the metropolitan complex grief; and self-care
area per annum. In Australia, for staff;
and trial a community funeral service staff are the • a range of client and
postvention model in most prevalent service used staff resources providing
following a bereavement. While information about the
Perth. they are on the frontline with experience of suicide
families and friends following bereavement, referral and
a suicide there has been little support services;
acknowledgement of the role
of funeral service staff or • a range of organisational
their potential for playing an interventions around
important part in community workflow and
postvention. communication to further
support good practice
around suicide bereavement
funerals.
26 DRAFT Western Australian Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2021 - 2025You can also read
