World Suicide Prevention Day
10 September 2008

"Think Globally, Plan Nationally, Act Locally"

 

World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 is an annual event sponsored by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in collaboration with the World Health Organization. This year the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is “Think Globally, Plan Nationally, Act Locally”. This phrase, first used by the movement to save the environment, can be equally be applied to suicide prevention:

• To develop global awereness of suicide as a major preventable cause of premature death,
• To describe the political leadership and policy frameworks for suicide prevention provided by national suicide prevention strategies,
• And to highlight the many practical prevention programs that translate policy statements and research outcomes into activities at local, community levels.

Many communities across Australia use this day to draw attention to the tragic loss of life due to suicide and band together to reaffirm their commitment to the prevention of suicide.

For example, Channel 7 drama "All Saints" released the following message following the death of their colleague and friend Mark Priestly

Lifeline supports World Suicide Prevention Day and encourages everyone to use this occasion to make a difference in their community.

Lifeline's role in suicide prevention

Lifeline provides access to a number of services, programs and resources for the prevention and awareness of suicide. To find out more about Lifeline's role in suicide prevention or to find help, visit the suicide prevention section of our website.

Suicide Prevention Resources and Services

Survivors of Suicide Booklet

This is a compassionate resource developed to support people who have lost a loved one to suicide. The booklet has been written by survivors for survivors, and provides guidance in coping with the suicide of a loved one. To order hard copies of the booklet please call Lifeline Australia on 02 6215 9400 or email national@lifeline.org.au

Download the Survivors of Suicide Booklet PDF

Lifeline Information Service - Self-help tool kits

The Lifeline Information Service offers a range of self-help tool kitsdesigned by mental health professionals and offering information and advice on a range of mental health and help seeking topics. These tool kits can be downloaded from the Lifeline Information Service page of our website;or can be ordered by phoning 1300 13 11 14 between 9am and 5pm, or emailing infoservice@lifeline.org.au.

Two of these tool kits which may contain useful suicide prevention information for yourself or your friends or family are:

• Tool kit for suicide prevention PDF
• Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Information PDF

Beyond Suicide Attempts Brochure

A small booklet style brochure with information for parents following the suicide attempt of a young person. To order hard copies of the booklet please call Lifeline Australia on 02 6215 9400 or email marketing@lifeline.org.au

LivingWorks Suicide Intervention Training

http://www.lifeline.org.au/learn_more/livingworks

LivingWorks provides learning programs throughout Australia that help caregivers play a role in preventing suicide. Founded in Canada in the early 1980's, LivingWorks programs have since become established in many countries. Over 400,000 people worldwide (27,500 in Australia) have now attended the LivingWorks flagship 2-day suicide intervention workshop ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training).

Make a donation and help Lifeline save lives

Support Lifeline on World Suicide Prevention Day by making a donation to the Lifeline Suicide Prevention Fund. To find out more visit the Lifeline Suicide Prevention Fund page or donate now using our online form.

Useful Links for World Suicide Prevention Day

International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)

Download the IASP World Suicide Prevention Day Flyer

Living is for Everyone: Commonwealth Department of Health & Ageing's National Suicide Prevention Framework.

http://www.livingisforeveryone.com.au/World-Suicide-Prevention-Day.html

Lifeline Communications is hosting 'Putting LIFE Into Practice', a free workshop in Melbourne the day before World Suicide Prevention Day for the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. This event for people who work to prevent suicide, will look at how the newly revised Living Is For Everyone (LIFE) Framework can be applied to current suicide prevention initiatives, illustrated by case studies provided by project officers in national and community programs. The workshop includes an opportunity for delegates to share their current suicide prevention activities to examine what works and what can be improved.

http://www.livingisforeveryone.com.au/

The Living Is For Everyone (LIFE) website is a suicide and self-harm prevention resource. Dedicated to providing the best available evidence and resources to guide acticities aimed at reducing the rate at which people take their lives in Australia, the LIFE website is designed for people across the community who are involved in suicide and self-harm prevention activities.

 

Suicide Prevention Australia

Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) is a non-profit, non-government organisation working as a public health advocate in suicide prevention.

• SPA LiFe Awards - 9 September 2008
• Community Forum - 10 September 2008
• Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention - 10 September 2008

To find out more about SPA you can visit their national website at www.suicidepreventionaust.org

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