In the lead up to World Suicide Prevention Day this Sunday 10 September, the Territory Labor Government will release a new Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework Implementation Plan 2023 -2028, Keeping Everyone Safe.
The development of Keeping Everyone Safe has been overseen by NT Health, the NT Primary Health Network, National Indigenous Australians Agency and the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory. It includes a three-pronged approach to reduce suicide in the NT including:
· building stronger communities to respond to and prevent suicidal behaviour
· delivering informed, inclusive services to meet the needs of Territorians; and
· providing focused and evidence-informed support for vulnerable Territorians.
Keeping Everyone Safe adopts a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach, bringing together community leaders, clinicians, policy-makers and, importantly, those with lived experience of suicide and suicidal distress.
As part of the Territory Labor Government's vision to reduce the NT's suicide rate and improve the health and wellbeing of Territorians, the Territory Government has supported a number of wellbeing and suicide prevention projects.
In Central Australia these included the Tyerrtye Mwerre Wellbeing Project, an Arrernte language resource to support people and services to engage with traditional healing and Ngukunypa alaringkunytjaku (To have a clear mind), a guide to navigate anxiety developed by the NPY Women's Council.
Lifeline and the Mental Health Association of Central Australia (MHACA) joined the Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Lauren Moss today in Alice Springs following a community memorial walk to remember those lost to suicide.
To learn more about the Northern Territory Suicide Prevention Strategy head to: health.nt.gov.au/governance-strategies-committees/nt-health-strategies/suicide-prevention-strategy-review
If you need support reach out to someone you know or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au to text or chat with us. Lifeline is here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. here
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Lauren Moss:
"Suicide prevention is a responsibility that is shared by everyone in the community and is an issue that affects all of us.
"The Keeping Everyone Safe plan identifies actions to be implemented over the next five years, reinforces existing partnerships across government departments and identifies opportunities to strengthen or expand existing programs and initiatives.
"We are committed to reducing suicide rates in the Northern Territory, and the Plan aims to support everyone across the Territory to come together to prevent suicide."
Quotes attributable to MHACA Senior Manager Health Promotion and Quality Nicole Pietsch:
"MHACA and the Central Australia Life Promotion Network welcome the launch of the Keeping Everyone Safe Plan.
"The plan provides a renewed focus on suicide prevention for the Northern Territory.
"MHACA has delivered suicide prevention activities for many years and we are committed to working together with all stakeholders to reduce suicides in our community."
Quotes attributable to Lifeline Australia CEO Colin Seery:
"This morning and over the next few days, all over the country, people are taking part in local Out of the Shadows walks to remember loved ones who have sadly taken their own lives, as a personal tribute for a friend or family member doing it tough, or to simply show support for Australians experiencing emotional distress or mental illness.
"We thank every individual and team taking part for helping us to shine a light on stigma that still exists around suicide and encouraging others to seek help."
