The CBPATSISP leads the way in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention

The Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention (CBPATSISP) is Australia’s leading voice on Indigenous suicide. The CBPATSISP promotes evidence-based suicide prevention practice that empowers individuals, families and communities and respect for their culture.

The CBPATSISP emphasises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide is different from non-Aboriginal suicide, and so other approaches are required. In acknowledging this, the CBPATSISP understands that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide arises from complex historical and social factors and disadvantages but can be prevented.

Everymind asked the CBPATSISP to share some recent work they have been involved in, including empowering Aboriginal-led research projects. Below is a snapshot of some recent work supporting the prevention of suicide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities:

1. Strengthening Social and Emotional Wellbeing in the Criminal Justice System

The CBPATSISP is working with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations to implement and evaluate Aboriginal-led programs which strengthen the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal people in the justice system.

An example of implementing this is the CBPATSISP working with the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services and Centacare Kimberley to evaluate the Kimberley Empowerment, Healing and Leadership program delivered in the West Kimberley Regional Prison.

The CBPATSISP and Daniel Dilba Health Service are also implementing the Cultural, Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program within the Darwin justice system in partnership with the Salvation Army.

2. Co-designing Aftercare

The CBPATSISP and Telethon Kids Institute are co-designing an aftercare program with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Western Australia, including Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Bunbury, Albany, Port Hedland, Derby, and Perth. These meetings will ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices will inform the design of the aftercare program. These state-based approaches align with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation suicide prevention initiatives Culture, Care and Connect, establishing suicide prevention networks and aftercare services in 31 Aboriginal Medical Services nationwide.

3. An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Systems Approach to Suicide Prevention

The CBPATSISP is working with Black Dog Institute to develop a transformative Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander systems approach to suicide prevention. To Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, a ‘systems approach’ means multi-component systems (e.g. health, education, justice, etc) that work together with specific strategies to prevent suicide. This systems approach aims to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and strengthen culture while promoting systems reform and ensuring cultural safety.

4. Coronial Responses to Suicides

The CBPATSISP examines the practices of State and Territory’s Coroners’ Courts to assess their cultural safety and responsiveness to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families who have experienced the loss of a loved one by suicide. This project considers a range of perspectives, including Indigenous people who have lost loved ones to suicide, Coroners, and their staff. A report will be published this year, making recommendations including cultural respect training for Coroners and their staff, improved communication and information resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and employing Indigenous family liaison staff. The CBPATSISP will engage with justice departments across Australia to support the uptake of recommendations.

5. Elders and Leaders Voices: Messages of Hope

The CBPATSISP produces short videos bringing together esteemed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Leaders. Through these videos, Elders and Leaders share their wisdom, speaking directly to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth about how to support wellness and prevent suicide. These videos impart messages of love and hope, emphasising the transformative power of reconnecting with culture, Country, and families.

In addition to these activities, the CBPATSISP Clearing House outlines and promotes best-practice suicide prevention programs and services. Its Manual of Resources guides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous people in promoting positive mental health, social-emotional wellbeing and preventing suicide in communities.