Suicide Prevention is Everyone's Business
Suicide and suicidal behaviours bring with them massive human, social and economic impacts. A conservative estimate for the economic cost of suicide and suicidal behaviour on the Australian community is $17.5 billion every year. Every day in Australia, more than seven people die by suicide and a further 160 per day are admitted to hospital after a suicide attempt. By way of comparison, road accidents in 2011 accounted for less than four deaths per day. In some occupational groups the rate of suicide is far greater than work-related accidents. Like road deaths and work-related injuries, most suicide and self-harming behaviour can be prevented.
Originally launched in 2007, Lifeline Hunter Central Coast's Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Service (CSPS) has helped thousands of local people with its three pronged approach to suicide prevention—Prevention, Intervention and Postvention (Bereaved by Suicide). The CSPS has enabled us to conduct community training promoting awareness of those at risk of suicide, one-on-one counselling for those at immediate risk of suicide and in supporting the people in our region who are bereaved by suicide.
“Sometimes it helps to just know that someone is listening, that you never have to be alone”
The three distinct components of the Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Service are:
- Prevention -Incorporates LivingWorks safeTALK, life skills training the support of suicide prevention networks, and an annual participation in World Suicide Prevention Day.
- Intervention -Incorporates LivingWorks ASIST, individualised counselling and referral.
- Postvention -Incorporates counselling and care calls, distribution of information and support packs, the facilitation of Survivors of Suicide (SOS) Groups, an annual Suicide Memorial Service and community education.
