The Northern Territory Labor Government has released its 12 Month Suicide Prevention Report Card ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day tomorrow.

‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide’ is the theme of the 2019 World Suicide Prevention Day.

The Report Card provides a snapshot of the key achievements of the NT Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework Implementation Plan 2018-2023.

The Framework outlines plans for reducing the burden of loss and grief, and supporting everyone in our community to live with meaning and purpose.

Top Achievements within the Report Card include:

1. Community Action Planning (CAP): establishing community planning groups and networks in each region and supporting the development and monitoring of localsuicide prevention actions.
2. Community Suicide Prevention Grants: grants of up to $10,000 have been awarded to community groups and non-government organisations to assist in raising awareness about suicide and suicide prevention.
3. Funded Training for Staff and Community Members Working with Priority Groups: Targeted training for community members, health and social care staff in supporting vulnerable people. Groups that receive training include:

• Lifeline’s Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) - Central Australia. and Barkly

• Anglicare’s Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training ASIST Training- Top End

• Mental Health Association of Central Australia Suicide Story Training - Central Australia and Barkly

• Mates in Construction Ltd - Mental Health, Suicide Prevention Awareness Program - NT wide

• Indigenist Pty. Indigenous LGBQTI+ inclusive practices suicide prevention workshops - NT wide

• OzHelp- Tradies Tune Up Program - Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Awareness Program - Darwin and Palmerston

The 12-Month Suicide Prevention Report Card can be viewed at https://health.nt.gov.au/health-governance/suicide-prevention-strategy-review .

Quotes from the Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:

“Suicide has a devastating impact on families, communities and workplaces. It’s down to all of us to do our part to address this very important issue.

“Our framework relies on an integrated approach involving different sectors, programs and services because we recognise a multi-level and multi-faceted approach is needed to create a healthier Territory.

“Our approach ties in with this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day theme, which was chosen as it highlights the most essential ingredient for effective global suicide prevention: collaboration.

“This year’s theme supports taking time to notice what’s going on with your family, friends and colleagues – and yourself. It is about taking time to have those conversations when you notice something has changed and equipping yourself to help yourself and others.  

“The 12 month Suicide Prevention Report Card will keep our framework on track, making sure local projects within our communities are supported and networks created for our most at-risk Territorians.”

Quotes from the Assistant Minister for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health and Disabilities, Ngaree Ah Kit:

“Each year Territory families and communities are left to pick up the pieces following a suicide. One life lost to suicide is one too many and the Territory Labor Government is committed to reducing the suicide rate by 50% over 10 years.

“I urge all vulnerable Territorians who are struggling to reach out and let someone know you are hurting. Help is always at hand. I also urge Territorians to continue checking in with your friends and family who are having a tough time, because not every Territorian is able to ask for help.

As a Government, we will continue to shine a spotlight on this very important community issue.”

Media contact: Cameron Angus 0404 021 192