Premier

Suicide Prevention Partnerships For More Communities

18 December 2016

The Andrews Labor Government will partner with Primary Health Networks (PHN) to help an additional six communities develop local strategies to prevent suicide.

PHNs manage a range of Commonwealth funding, including some for suicide prevention. They work with GPs, health services and the community to deliver better care and results.

As part of the place-based suicide prevention initiative, PHNs will work with local services, schools and communities to develop and deliver suicide prevention plans that address local priorities and build on existing services and supports.

The plans include raising awareness of mental health issues and support services, school-based programs, and frontline staff training.

The Labor Government announced six place-based suicide prevention initiatives earlier this year as part of its effort to halve the suicide rate by 2025 – Mornington Peninsula and Frankston, Brimbank and Melton, Whittlesea, Mildura, La Trobe Valley and Ballarat.

PHNs will expand on this investment, establishing additional place-based suicide prevention sites in the Macedon Ranges, Benalla, Maroondah, Great South Coast, Bass Coast and Dandenong.

The Labor Government is also supporting six health services to better support people leaving hospital after a suicide attempt as part of Victoria’s suicide prevention framework 2016-15.

If you or someone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley

“We lose more people to suicide every year than the road toll – we are supporting a community response to change this devastating statistic.”

“These investments are a key component of our 10 Year Mental Health Plan. We will continue to work to reduce the stigma around mental health and give patients and their families the support they need.”

“The partnership with Primary Health Networks expands on our strong investment in suicide prevention – working together will deliver better mental health outcomes for the community.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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