National Suicide Prevention Trial
The Australian Government is supporting the implementation and evaluation of twelve suicide prevention trial sites across Australia as part of the National Suicide Prevention Trial.
The trials are led by Primary Health Networks (PHNs) and aim to improve the current evidence of effective suicide prevention strategy at a local level for at-risk population groups. Each trial site will run for four years from 2016-17 to 2019-20 and receive Australian Government funding of up to $4 million.
PHNs who have a trial site within their region are actively engaged with local stakeholders and have formed community working groups, as well as commissioning activities such as suicide prevention training, media campaigns and follow-up support services.
Selection of each trial site was determined with consideration for infrastructure and services available within the region.
Factors considered for selection of trial sites included:
- their relationship with other suicide prevention activities within Australia
- the rate of suicide death within the region
- the Government’s election commitments to metal health and suicide prevention in the region
- participation in the Primary Health Network Mental Health Reform Lead Site Project (for North Coast NSW, North Western Melbourne, Perth South and Brisbane North).
Details of each trial site including date of implentation and target poplation are listed in the table below:
Because of the complexity of suicide, a one-size-fits-all approach to suicide prevention is not suitable on a national scale.
The causes of suicide, as well as resources and services required to prevent it, are unique for each region and community of the selected trial sites. Each trial site will focus suicide prevention towards a specific priority population and administer prevention strategies reflecting community needs.
New South Wales
North Coast
Sub-regions | - Clarence Valley LGA - Tweed/Byron LGA - Lismore LGA - Kempsey LGA |
Target populations | At risk individuals who have attempted suicide and have presented at the emergency department. |
Link | North Coast Suicide Prevention Trial |
Western NSW
Sub-regions | Remote Western NSW, including: - Bourke LGA - Brewarrina LGA - Cobar LGA - Lachlan LGA - Walgett LGA - Wedding LGA |
Target populations | - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - Men in farming and mining - Youth, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples |
Link | Western New South Wales Suicide Prevention Trial |
Northern Territory
Darwin
Sub-regions | Greater Darwin region |
Target populations | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples |
Link | Darwin Suicide Prevention Trial |
Queensland
Central QLD/Wide Bay Sunshine Coast
Sub-regions | - Maryborough - North Burnett - Gympie |
Target populations | - Men and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People |
Link | Central Qld, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast Suicide Prevention Trial |
Brisbane North
Sub-regions | Entire Brisbane North PHN region |
Target populations | - Young and middle-aged males - LGBTI people - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples |
Link | Brisbane North Suicide Prevention Trial |
Northern Queensland
Sub-regions | - Townsville region - York Peninsula |
Target populations | - Ex Australian Defence Force members and their families (Townsville region) - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (York Peninsula) |
Link | Northern Queensland Suicide Prevention Trial |
South Australia
Country SA
Sub-regions | - Whyalla - Port Lincoln - Port Pirie - Port Augusta |
Target populations | - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - Men - Youth |
Link | Country SA Suicide Prevention Trial |
Tasmania
Sub-regions | - Launceston - Cradle Coast (Burnie LGA, Central Coast LGA, Devonport LGA) - Break of Day |
Target populations | - Men aged 40 to 64 years - Men and women aged 65+ (sub group 65 to 74 years, sub group 75 to 84 years) |
Link | Tasmania Suicide Prevention Trial |
Victoria
North Western Melbourne
Sub-regions | Whole PHN region |
Target populations | - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) people, including young people - Men |
Link | North Western Melbourne Trial Site |
Western Australia
Perth South
Sub-regions | - Rockingham - Waroona - Mandurah - Kwinana - Murray |
Target populations | Youth |
Link | Perth South Suicide Prevention Trial |
Mid-west WA (Country WA PHN)
Sub-regions | - Geraldton - Carnarvon - Meekatharra - Mullewa - Mt Magnet - Morawa |
Target populations | Men aged 25 to 54 years, in particular men working in primary industry, fishermen, farmers and miners and the building industry. |
Link | Mid-West WA Suicide Prevention Trial |
Kimberly (COUNTRY WA PHN)
Sub-regions | - Broome - Bidyadanga - Dampier Peninsula (including Beagle Bay, Lomboadina/Djarindjin and One Arm Point) - Derby - Fitzroy Crossing - Halls Creek (including Warmun) - Kununurra - Wyndham and the Kutjunka region (including Balgo, Billiluna and Mulan) |
Target populations | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples |
Link | Kimberly Suicide Prevention Trial |