Mental health advocates and key organisations have begun working with the NSW government on a statewide framework to reduce the rate of suicide across NSW.
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Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams said the minister for mental health, Tanya Davies announced the development of the strategic framework for suicide prevention, to help communities like those across the Port Macquarie electorate face mental health challenges unique to their area.
“Suicide prevention is everybody’s business and the NSW government wants to make sure that no matter who you are or where you live, you’re getting the right help at the right time,” Mrs Williams said.
“It’s really important that our community takes part in the consultation and I have worked with the NSW mental health commissioner Catherine Lourey to make sure our community has input into the development of the strategic framework.
A community meeting is on at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie, Wednesday May 30 as part of the statewide consultation.
The consultation will be held between 1.30pm and 4pm in Room 2063 at CSU, 7 Major Innes Road in Port Macquarie.
If you attend, RSVP on 6584 0977 by Monday May 28.
Mrs Davies said NSW Health and the mental health commission of NSW are leading the work, and will develop the integrated suicide prevention framework.
No parent, friend, family member or community should have to go through the grief of losing a loved one to suicide.
- Tanya Davies
“No parent, friend, family member or community should have to go through the grief of losing a loved one to suicide, and the NSW government is committed to optimising and coordinating care and interventions so support reaches those who need it,” Mrs Davies said.
NSW mental health commissioner Catherine Lourey said the project importantly involves consultation with individuals, communities and mental health stakeholders.
“We are particularly reaching out to those who have survived a suicide attempt or who have experienced the suicide or attempted suicide of a loved one,” Ms Lourey said.
An online public survey developed by the Commission is also available to the public and will form a vital part of this work.
For more information on the online survey or the consultation in Port Macquarie go to www.nswmentalhealthcommission.com.au
Advice is being sought from more than 35 organisations including Lifeline, NSW Ambulance, NSW Police, Black Dog Institute, beyondblue, NSW Farmers Association, Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council, ACON, Primary Health Networks and the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health.
For mental health services in the Port Macquarie electorate phone the NSW mental health line on 1800 011 511.
