Better health, together: Suicide prevention

In this month’s Better health, together video, WA Primary Health Alliance CEO, Learne Durrington sits down with Suicide Prevention Manager, Sharleen Delane to talk about our work in WA’s three Suicide Prevention Trial Sites, as well as the important role of community in suicide prevention.

WA Primary Health Alliance is leading three Suicide Prevention Trials in Western Australia, located in the Kimberley, the Midwest and the Peel, Rockingham and Kwinana regions.

These locations have been chosen by the Australian Government due to the higher than average suicide rates experienced. The trials aim to find the most effective approaches to suicide prevention for at-risk populations and share this knowledge across Australia. The key populations targeted by each of the trial sites are:

• Kimberley: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians
• Midwest: Men aged 25 to 54, specifically farmers, fishers and fly in, fly out (FIFO) workers
• Peel, Rockingham and Kwinana: young people between the ages of 16 to 24

While support services are important, it is equally important to build awareness and capacity in the community, so they can provide the relevant support to people locally. There are simple actions individuals can take to support friends and family, including the confidence to ask if they are okay.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs help, contact:

Lifeline 13 11 14

• Mental Health Support Helpline 1800 048 636
• eheadspace 1800 650 890
• In an emergency, call triple zero (000).