WORKING TOWARDS ZERO SUICIDES IN NSW

Finding the best ways to accurately and respectfully talk about suicide will be the challenge for a gathering of experts today in NSW Parliament House, on World Suicide Prevention Day.
The Towards Zero Suicides Premier’s Priority Delivery Plan Workshop calls together leading suicide prevention experts, clinicians, frontline staff and people with a lived experience of suicide.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the most recent data from 2017 reveals the shocking statistic that impacts so many more people than the raw figures indicate.
“880 people died by suicide in NSW, that’s more than double our road toll, and the ripple effect on loved ones compounds the awful statistic,” Minister Taylor said.
The Towards Zero Suicides Premier’s Priority was recently announced, setting the ambitious target to reduce the rate of suicide deaths in NSW by 20 per cent by 2023, as the first step in the journey towards zero suicides.
“The Premier’s Priority is a chance to have suicide prevention prioritised as never before, and for us to make an unprecedented effort to reverse our rising suicide rate,” Minister Taylor said.
“Last year, the NSW Government announced a record $87 million investment in the Towards Zero Suicides initiatives.”
Mr John Brogden, Chairman of Lifeline Australia, will host the workshop as it helps take the next step towards reducing the suicide rate in NSW.
Mr Brogden said everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention, including government agencies, community managed and non-government organisations, the research sector, workplaces and communities.
“Suicide and attempted suicide is an issue affecting every part of our community, and the voices of people with lived experience of suicide are a key aspect of any response.”
Today’s participants will design the Delivery Plan for the Premier’s Priority, building on Strategic Framework for Suicide Prevention in NSW 2018-23.
More information on World Suicide Prevention Day is available at www.wspd.org.au.
If you or someone you know needs crisis support, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14. For mental health services in your local area call the NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.