New mental health framework to save lives

Last year, 880 people died because of suicide, which is more than double the NSW road toll, and a further 25,000 people attempted suicide.

The NSW Government has launched the Strategic Framework for Suicide Prevention in NSW 2018­–2023, and is providing $90 million to fund the expansion of current initiatives and the introduction of new ones.

For people who have been hospitalised following an attempted suicide and those who have reached out for help, it means they will have greater access to follow-up services and support. For example, the government is:

• expanding community mental health outreach teams
• providing support services for people bereaved by suicide
• funding more counsellors for regional and rural NSW
• working to eliminate suicide attempts by people in care
• creating alternative locations for people in crisis to receive treatment, rather than in an emergency department.

Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies said communities will benefit from new or expanded initiatives from next year.

“This is about providing our communities with the most effective tools so they have the strength, resilience and capacity to prevent and respond to suicide,” Mrs Davies said.

“We expect these initiatives to have the biggest impact on suicide the state has ever seen and will ensure that we reduce the number of lives lost to suicide in NSW.”

Where to get help

If you or someone you know needs crisis support please call:

• Lifeline 13 11 14
• MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78
• Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.

For information on mental health services in your local area phone the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.