The Black Dog Institute launches new network connecting regions, workers and evidence in suicide prevention

The Black Dog Institute has established a new network that links regions and workers with best-practice approaches to suicide prevention.

The Suicide Prevention Network was launched in June, aiming to connect those working in suicide prevention to each other and to evidence-based resources and research.

Suicide prevention workers in Primary Health Networks (PHNs) and Local Health Districts (LHDs) can often feel isolated. They deal with sensitive subject matters and sometimes make difficult decisions without resources for support, information sharing or access to evidence-based, best practice initiatives and programs.

The Suicide Prevention Network aims to fill this gap, and features a number of networking and learning opportunities for its members:

• A Community of Practice, Let’s talk about suicide prevention, with members-only events, monthly thought leadership articles, and expert-led online discussion forums,
• Connection to fellow suicide prevention professionals through a member database,
• Library of evidence-based how-to guides, resources and research,
• Access to data collection and insights tailored to local communities, through the Black Dog Institute’s bespoke consulting service.

At the launch of the network, a panel of experts took part in a roundtable discussion on the future of suicide prevention in Australia.

Themes included the need for suicide prevention initiatives and government decision making to be driven by research, and the need for tailored suicide prevention programs that meet the needs of priority populations. Both of these areas are supported by the Suicide Prevention Network, with a focus on information sharing and fostering connections across the sector to prevent workers and regions.

Associate Professor Fiona Shand, Head of Suicide Prevention Research at the Black Dog Institute, said: 

To register as a member and access the Network, head to the Black Dog Institute website.