North Coast Primary Health Network (NCPHN) and the University of New England brought two internationally renowned experts together to share their knowledge with the Kempsey community on how to reduce the incidence of suicide at the Slim Dusty Centre on February 12.
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Professor Eric D Caine and Professor Myfanwy Maple were joined by both health professionals and community members and they discussed proven ways to help prevent suicide.
The professors were also keen to hear from local people about the particular challenges they face.
They heard from community members and those on the ground dealing with people in distress who may be involved in a range of risk-taking behaviours.
These include substance misuse, violence and other self-harming behaviours.
With the Kempsey community experiencing a number of suicides in recent times, this event was the first of a number of community-led approaches to address this important topic and to begin the process of healing in a population that is experiencing loss and grief.
Professor Caine told the meeting that common barriers to suicide prevention include:
- People intent on suicide often do not seek help
- Seemingly ‘normal’ people kill themselves
- First attempts often are fatal
- So-called “risk factors” (such as mental disorders, social isolation, depression) are common but suicide is uncommon. Risk factors are NOT predictive in individuals and fail as warning signs of an attempt.
He stressed the need for a whole of community approach where the entire population is the target of prevention strategies.
He explained that prevention can be achieved through promoting health and mental health and broadly reducing risk through elevating the mental health and wellbeing of everyone.
NCPHN’s Senior Manager, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Liz Davis, said the gathering was a turning point for the community.
“At the event it was particularly pleasing to be part of discussions that identified enthusiasm and momentum around developing local solutions," he said.
“It is clear there is strong support for community-led approaches that nurture and supportmentally healthy communities.”
Professors Caine and Maple:
- Shared strategies to reduce suicide that have worked both around the world and in Australia
- Outlined the value of investing in a collaborative community prevention program to help reduce suicide risk
- Talked about funding challenges and particular target groups, and
- Presented a case study based in Armidale (Backtrack Boys)
This event was part of NCPHN’s work in the National Suicide Prevention Trial. As a participant in this trial, NCPHN worked to establish a local Suicide Prevention Steering Committee for the Kempsey area. This committee was formed to initiate and support local approaches involving various sections of the community.
The committee also encourages strong local engagement and input into strategies designed to reduce the incidence the number of deaths suicide in the Kempsey region.
Local community members and organisations are encouraged to contact the coordinator of the Kempsey Suicide Prevention Plan to find out how you can contribute. Email: Melissa Robinson on MRobinson@mvwlc.nsw.edu.au
For more information, contact Ms Liz Davis, NCPHN’s Senior Manager, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, Alcohol and Other Drugs on 0428 802 148; Professor Myf Maple on 02 6773 3661 or Janet Grist, NCPHN’s Media Officer on 0402 244 419.
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