The State Government is seeking community and sector input on its Suicide Prevention and Response Strategy, one of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
In 2021, 699 Victorians were lost to suicide and the strategy aims to identify the many factors that can contribute to, and protect against, suicide.
Acting Minister for Mental Health Ros Spence said suicide has a devastating impact on individuals, families and our community.
“We need to work together to fix the system and prevent devastating outcomes,” she said.
“We’re listening to those on the front line as we reform our suicide prevention and response – with Victorians with lived experience and their families at the heart of this work.”
The strategy will increase the support and early interventions available, including to individuals and groups who may be at higher risk of suicide, and build on the existing evidence base to expand strategies that are working well and the strategy will be developed alongside people who have lived experience of suicide and their families, carers, kin and supporters.
Community settings, schools, workplaces and housing and social services are being looked at as settings that could help respond to suicide risk.
The Engage Victoria consultation is available at: engage.vic.gov.au/the-victorian-suicide-prevention-and-response-strategy
