New $11.5 million suicide prevention focus for at-risk groups

• Phase Two of Every life: The Queensland Suicide Prevention Plan 2019–2029 has been released alongside $11.5 million
• It focuses on supporting people disproportionately affected by suicide including men (who represent 75% of Queensland suicide deaths), regional, rural, and remote Queenslanders, and young people
• The Phase One progress report has also been released and shows positive results
• The Queensland Mental Health Commission (QMHC) will begin reporting suicide data on a monthly basis

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has today released Phase Two of the whole of government Every life: The Queensland Suicide Prevention Plan 2019-2029, alongside $11.5 million to better support at-risk groups.

Phase Two of the plan has an increased focus on groups disproportionately impacted by suicide, including men, those from regional, rural and remote areas, First Nations people, and young people.

It highlights the need for earlier intervention in distress and vulnerability, and greater lived experience leadership in suicide prevention.

The release of Phase Two coincides with the release of the Phase One progress report, which details highlights of the Every life plan so far.

It demonstrates notable progress, such as at the new Gold Coast Crisis Stabilisation Service at Robina Hospital, which has resulted in 80% of visitors being discharged without an inpatient stay.

Phase One also saw the creation of seven Crisis Support Spaces across the State, as an alternative, or adjunct, to the emergency department. These services are staffed by peer workers and clinicians and offer support in a home-like environment, that is safe, warm and comfortable.

As part of the Government’s commitment to improving the way data is used to drive suicide prevention planning and implementation, the QMHC will begin releasing suicide statistics on a monthly basis.

It is expected that the monthly reporting will begin before the end of 2023.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:

“Suicide remains a tragic and devastating issue affecting families, friends and communities across Queensland.”

“Phase One of Every life laid the foundation and Phase Two will continue to make prevention and reducing suicide a priority for government and for the community.”

“The next phase of our Every Life plan is an important step in that direction, and follows our Government’s record $1.64 billion mental health investment in the 2022-23 Budget.”

“I am heartened by the progress we can see in the Phase One progress report, but clearly, there is more work to do.”

“I am so pleased to announce that by the end of the year, the Queensland Mental Health Commission will publish monthly suicide data updates to stakeholders which will improve our ability to identify concerns and inform local suicide prevention responses.”

Quotes attributable to the Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic:

“Every death by suicide is too many. The review of male deaths by suicide has identified opportunities for more targeted and appropriate supports for life stressors like relationship breakdowns, physical conditions and illness, housing instability and insecurity and financial problems.”

“Central to reform efforts is an ongoing drive towards a community-based mental health system that meets people where they are—early in life, early in vulnerability, and early in illness.”

“The plans recognise the strong desire for collective action across all sectors and communities and shifts the focus towards greater collaboration.”

“The Commission will take responsibility for the reporting of suicide data, which will ensure that this information is contributing to the better long-term outcomes.”

“That begins with releasing monthly data, so that we can better see where the greatest need lies.”

“We look forward to continuing our work with the sector, government and non-government organisations, communities and everyday Queenslanders to implement Every life Phase Two over the next three years and beyond.”

Further Information and Support Services

To view and download a copy of the plans, visit www.qmhc.qld.gov.au.

Lifeline - 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636

Mindframe guidelines for communicating about suicide: https://mindframe.org.au/suicide/communicating-about-suicide

ENDS

Media Contact – Phoenix Campbell 0439 949 719