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Canberra Today 11°/15° | Saturday, March 30, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

ACT Budget / ‘Word-class’ suicide prevention initiative

THE ACT government has announced the support of $1.5million for the implementation of a “world-class” approach to suicide prevention led by the Black Dog Institute. 

Shane Rattenbury.
In 2016, over 3000 Australians died by suicide and over 70,000 made an attempt, which makes suicide the most common cause of death in Australians aged 15-44.

Minister for Mental Health Shane Rattenbury says: “In 2015 there were 46 deaths attributable to suicide in the ACT, and each of these deaths is a tragedy.”

“Sadly, we know that among the largest risk factors of suicide is a previous suicide attempt.”

The “LifeSpan” initiative involves the simultaneous implementation of nine strategies proven to reduce suicide. It is based on the most up-to-date evidence available and draws from positive results of similar, large-scale suicide prevention programs overseas.

“Programs such as LifeSpan, together with the newly established Ministry for Mental Health, will help ensure that those in need of support receive this at the earliest possible opportunity, and throughout the course of their recovery,” Mr Rattenbury says.

The LifeSpan program is currently being implemented across four pilot sites in NSW – Newcastle, Illawarra Shoalhaven, Gosford/Wyong and the Murrumbidgee – with other Australian sites in the pipeline.

Lifeline: 13 11 14

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