Published Thursday, 29 May, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Suicide prevention projects for Queensland’s most vulnerable
The Queensland Government is working to help prevent suicide among Queensland’s most vulnerable and marginalised groups, with the launch of three new targeted programs totalling $1.1 million.
Minister for Communities Lindy Nelson-Carr announced the new suicide prevention projects today as the nation commemorates White Wreath Day.
“White Wreath Day is traditionally the day we remember those who have lost their life as a result of suicide, as well as those they have left behind,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“It represents such a tragic loss of life that affects entire families and communities which is why the Queensland Government is working to reduce incidents of suicidal and self-harming behaviour.”
The Queensland Government’s Suicide Prevention Strategy adopts a whole-of-life suicide prevention framework, with a particular focus on groups known to be at higher risk including Indigenous people, young people, seniors – older men in particular – and marginalised groups such as refugee and migrant youth.
“The Department of Communities has allocated up to $710,000 to combat suicide in six rural and remote Indigenous communities - Aurukun, Doomadgee, Mornington Island, Mount Isa, St George and Cunnamulla - over the 2008-09 period,” she said.
“Additionally, a community suicide prevention project will be run in Lockhart River, with up to $190,000 in funding which is also allocated for 2008-09.
“This funding includes the purchase of premises to support this project, and future recruitment and retention of trained professionals in the Lockhart River community.
“Administered by the Department of Communities, both these initiatives have been funded by Queensland Health and focus on addressing suicide-related issues and responding to risk factors for suicide through various community projects.”
The government’s Suicide Prevention Strategy has also identified young refugees as being at substantially more risk of suicidal or self-harming behaviour.
“Lifeline Community Care has been allocated $100,000 to increase service providers’ understanding of the suicide risk associated with this group,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Lifeline will work to improve prevention measures for young refugees, who face particular challenges relating to fitting in and may suffer post-traumatic stress and other issues, as a result of experiencing such great adversity from an early age.
“Web-based referral information, including fact sheets and links to useful websites, will also be made more readily available to young people as part of the program.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said it was important to tailor programs to address the unique and complex needs of vulnerable and marginalised Queenslanders, who through social isolation and other factors are at a higher risk of suicidal and self-harming behaviour.
“The Queensland Government is committed to reducing suicide throughout the state, which is why we created our whole-of-government Suicide Prevention Strategy in 2003,” she said.
“Every life is precious – and we are committed to ensuring all Queenslanders know this, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be.”
Media contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280
Minister for Communities Lindy Nelson-Carr announced the new suicide prevention projects today as the nation commemorates White Wreath Day.
“White Wreath Day is traditionally the day we remember those who have lost their life as a result of suicide, as well as those they have left behind,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“It represents such a tragic loss of life that affects entire families and communities which is why the Queensland Government is working to reduce incidents of suicidal and self-harming behaviour.”
The Queensland Government’s Suicide Prevention Strategy adopts a whole-of-life suicide prevention framework, with a particular focus on groups known to be at higher risk including Indigenous people, young people, seniors – older men in particular – and marginalised groups such as refugee and migrant youth.
“The Department of Communities has allocated up to $710,000 to combat suicide in six rural and remote Indigenous communities - Aurukun, Doomadgee, Mornington Island, Mount Isa, St George and Cunnamulla - over the 2008-09 period,” she said.
“Additionally, a community suicide prevention project will be run in Lockhart River, with up to $190,000 in funding which is also allocated for 2008-09.
“This funding includes the purchase of premises to support this project, and future recruitment and retention of trained professionals in the Lockhart River community.
“Administered by the Department of Communities, both these initiatives have been funded by Queensland Health and focus on addressing suicide-related issues and responding to risk factors for suicide through various community projects.”
The government’s Suicide Prevention Strategy has also identified young refugees as being at substantially more risk of suicidal or self-harming behaviour.
“Lifeline Community Care has been allocated $100,000 to increase service providers’ understanding of the suicide risk associated with this group,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Lifeline will work to improve prevention measures for young refugees, who face particular challenges relating to fitting in and may suffer post-traumatic stress and other issues, as a result of experiencing such great adversity from an early age.
“Web-based referral information, including fact sheets and links to useful websites, will also be made more readily available to young people as part of the program.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said it was important to tailor programs to address the unique and complex needs of vulnerable and marginalised Queenslanders, who through social isolation and other factors are at a higher risk of suicidal and self-harming behaviour.
“The Queensland Government is committed to reducing suicide throughout the state, which is why we created our whole-of-government Suicide Prevention Strategy in 2003,” she said.
“Every life is precious – and we are committed to ensuring all Queenslanders know this, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be.”
Media contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280