Launceston Suicide Prevention Trial

Suicide has been described as Australia's 'greatest' preventable public health and social challenge (McGorry 2010).

Suicide is a major public health concern and has devastating impact on families, friends and communities. It is important for us to understand more about suicide and what local communities can do to limit them and the profound impacts it can have. Although suicide is complex and challenging to address, there is much we can do create community-based preventative measures.

Facts and figures for suicide and suicide prevention:

• Tasmania has the second highest rate of suicide in Australia. From 2007 to 2016, Tasmania averaged six deaths to suicide every month.
• In 2017, more than 3000 people died by suicide. Twice as many Australians died by suicide than by road accidents.
• Mental illness is an important risk factor for suicide, but it is not the only one. There are many factors that may contribute to suicide, which may include stressful life events, trauma, physical illness, drug or alcohol abuse, or poor living circumstances.
• There are many protective factors that make us more resilient and can reduce suicidality, such as supportive social relationships, a sense of control of life's circumstances, a sense of meaning and purpose in life, family harmony, good coping and problem-solving skills, and access to good health services. 

The Launceston Suicide Prevention Trial is using the Black Dog Institute’s LifeSpan suicide prevention model.

Lifespan is a new, innovative and evidence-based approach to integrated suicide prevention. It combines nine strategies that have strong evidence for suicide prevention into one community-led approach incorporating health, education, frontline services, business and community members. You can view more on the nine strategies HERE.

Please note the Launceston Prevention Trial does not offer health services, crisis, or emergency support. Anyone seeking support and information about suicide can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Prevention Call Back Service on 1300 659 496. 

Your regular general practitioner/doctors’ surgery can also advise and refer to a mental health specialist. If you are in an emergency or immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact emergency services at 000.

When it comes to suicide prevention in our communities and across Australia, we all have a role to play.

Suicide is a whole-of-community issue, meaning the prevention of suicide is not something that can be achieved by one organisation in isolation – it is something that must be tackled by the entire community.

Community members can get involved and support this initiative across Launceston to promote awareness and local engagement. Examples of how you can get involved include:

• Taking part in community suicide prevention training programs, such as QPR;
• Organise and participate in community awareness campaigns through social groups, workplaces and more;
• Promote a common language around mental health, mental illness and suicide in Tasmania by signing  The Tasmanian Communications Charter;
• Learn more about services and support avenues that are available in the community; and
• Look after yourself physically and mentally and support others when they need help.

To find out how you can support the initiative and help make a difference, simply email us at suicideprevention@launceston.tas.gov.au