Suicide Prevention Australia

Running time 41.55 At the 2018 National Suicide Prevention Conference held in Adelaide SA we were delighted to welcome David Covington as one of our international speakers. David kindly talked with us following his Plenary Presentations and Workshops at the conference so that those of you who couldn't be there in person could hear some of his key points and learnings. More on Mr Covington below. David Covington, LPC, MBA serves as CEO and President of RI International, is a partner in Behavioral Health Link, co-founder of CrisisTech 360 and leads the international initiatives “Crisis Now,” “Zero Suicide” and “Peer 2.0.” He is a two-time national winner of the Council of State Governments Innovations Award, in 2008 with the Georgia Crisis & Access Line and again in 2012 with Magellan Health. For five consecutive years, he competed as a national finalist in innovations competitions, including Harvard’s Innovations in American Government in 2009, and was featured in Business Week magazine (Innovate Timeline). He is an acclaimed global speaker and blogger having visited 35 countries (Where in the World Is?), with top-ranked TED-style Talks and conference keynotes. Previously he served as Vice-President at Magellan Health responsible for the executive and clinical operations of the $750 million per year contract with Arizona Medicaid. Mr. Covington is a member of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Coordinating Committee (ISMICC) established in 2017 in accordance with the 21st Century Cures Act to report to Congress on advances in behavioural health. Mr. Covington is the President-Elect of the American Association of Suicidology and has served on its Board of Directors since 2014. He has served on the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention Executive Committee since it was created in 2010, co-chairing task forces on clinical care and crisis services (Research Publications). In 2016, he became the Chair of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline SAMHSA Steering Committee after serving as Vice-Chair from its creation in 2005. He also served on the National Council for Behavioral Health Board of Directors from 2011 to 2014. Mr. Covington’s management history also includes CEO of Behavioral Health Link and Director of Public Sector Quality Management at APS Healthcare. He is a licensed professional counsellor and has an MBA from Kennesaw State and a Master’s of Science from the University of Memphis. His personal achievements include the 2008 Boston marathon and 2013 Fear Factor. #NSPC18 It is so important to talk openly and safely about suicide but, if listening to this triggers difficult emotions in you, please talk about how you’re feeling with a trusted family member, friend or people at one of our partner organisations. Call Lifeline on 131114, MensLine 1300 78 99 78, Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 or Kids Helpline 1800 551800 FREE. [Click here for a comprehensive list of these and other support services](https://communitiesmatter.suicidepreventionaust.org/content/useful-contacts).

Running time 21.32 At the 2018 National Suicide Prevention Conference held in Adelaide SA we were delighted to welcome Carol Hopkins , Executive Director, Thunderbird Partnership Foundation, Ontario, Canada as one of our international speakers. Carol kindly talked with us following her Plenary Presentation at the conference so that those of you who couldn't be there in person could hear some of her key points and learnings. More on Ms Hopkins below. Carol Hopkins is the Executive Director of the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation (a division of the National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation) and is of the Lenape Nation at Moraviantown, ON. Carol Hopkins has spent over 20 years in the field of First Nations addictions and mental health. She holds both a Masters of Social Work Degree from the University of Toronto and a degree in sacred Indigenous Knowledge, equivalent to a PhD in western based education systems. Carol also holds a sessional faculty position in the school of social work at Kings University College at Western University. Carol has co-chaired national initiatives known for best practice in national policy review and development, resulting in the: First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework (FNMWC), the Honouring Our Strengths: A Renewed Framework to Address Substance Use Issues Among First Nations in Canada, the Indigenous Wellness Framework, and best practice guidelines for culturally based inhalant abuse treatment. Carol has also inspired the development of the Native Wellness Assessment. In recognition of this work, Carol received the Champions of Mental Health Award 2015 for Research/Clinician, the Health Canada Innovations Award, is a member of the leadership advisory council to the Ontario Minister of Health and Long Term Care and was invited by Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Philpott, to join the Canadian delegation to the United Nations General Assembly, Special Session on the World Drug Problem. Carol also is an invited member of the Mental Health Advisory Council to the Federal Minister of Health. #NSPC18 It is so important to talk openly and safely about suicide but, if listening to this triggers difficult emotions in you, please talk about how you’re feeling with a trusted family member, friend or people at one of our partner organisations. Call Lifeline on 131114, MensLine 1300 78 99 78, Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 or Kids Helpline 1800 551800 FREE. [Click here for a comprehensive list of these and other support services.](https://communitiesmatter.suicidepreventionaust.org/content/useful-contacts)

Running time 9.42 On 23 July 2018, at Suicide Prevention Australia’s National Suicide Prevention Conference, Chief Executive Nieves Murray launched a paper that challenges Australia’s view of the role of mental illness when it comes to suicide prevention. Listen to our interview with SANE Australia's Head of Programs, Sarah Coker, on why this Paper is important and what it means for all of us. More on the Paper below and [on the SPA website](https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/news/media-release-new-discussion-paper-challenges-australia%E2%80%99s-views-role-mental-illness-and-suicide). Research shows people living with complex mental illness are 13-45 times more likely to take their own life their own life than those living without mental illness. For people living with: * Borderline personality disorder the risk is 45 times greater * Anorexia nervosa the risk is 31 times greater * Major depressive disorder the risk is 20 times greater * Bipolar disorder is 17 times greater * Schizophrenia the risk is 13 times greater Ms Murray calls for government, business and community to play their part in the delivering the change that is recommended to prevent suicide of those living with mental illness. “To support more people with mental illness to live longer lives, we must implement prevention strategies focused on increasing mental health literacy, reducing stigma and increasing access to care. We must implement system level improvements that integrate mental health and suicide prevention planning. We must invest in improved education, training and resourcing for those in health and social support roles. We must invest in strategic research and evaluation to better understand suicide and its prevention.” Suicide Prevention partnered with SANE Australia to develop this paper in conjunction with a panel of people with personal and professional expertise. SANE Australia General Manager of Research, Policy and Programs Dr Michelle Blanchard, who co-authored the report, says suicide is a complex issue and mental health services have a crucial role to play in helping address the associated risks. “Given what we know about this higher risk of suicide for those living with mental illness, it’s vital suicide prevention strategies aim to grow mental health literacy, reduce stigma surrounding mental illness, promote access to evidence-based care and are developed in collaboration with people who have experience living with mental illness. We also know certain social and environmental factors that can exacerbate mental illness can also play a role in suicide including trauma, discrimination, social isolation, unemployment or homelessness.” SANE Australia ambassador Terri Warner lives with bipolar disorder and has attempted to take her own life requiring emergency medical intervention. “Before I attempted suicide, I felt overwhelmed. I couldn’t see a way out and found myself in an intolerable moment that I didn’t think would end, but that I desperately wanted to be over. I had exhausted what I thought were all of the possibilities and was so trapped by what I was thinking and feeling that I couldn’t reason, problem solve or find any resemblance of hope that there was a way forward,” Ms Warner said. “I believe it’s important mental health professionals work with each individual to help manage those kinds of feelings, as what works for one person won’t work for everyone. It took me a long time to realise the strategies that work for me. It’s time we thought outside the box in our approach to suicide prevention and listen to, rather than challenge, people who have attempted suicide.” #NSPC18 It is so important to talk openly and safely about suicide but, if listening to this triggers difficult emotions in you, please talk about how you’re feeling with a trusted family member, friend or people at one of our partner organisations. Call Lifeline on 131114, MensLine 1300 78 99 78, ...

Running time 13.22 In 2018 Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) celebrated the 15th Annual LiFE Awards recognising excellence in suicide prevention. The 2018 National Suicide Prevention Conference Dinner played host to this important event and was a chance for the whole sector to appreciate the innovative work being undertaken by our peers and colleagues. The Awards are a prestigious national event that attracts nominations from all areas including business, industry, media, community, government, youth research and medicine – all with an interest in suicide prevention. Nominations are received from all over Australia, and we were delighted with the number of quality nominations this year showcasing the exciting and diverse range of work being undertaken within the field. The nominees range from mainstream programs to local ‘grass roots’ organisations and dedicated individuals. The Awards celebrate the commitment and energy of the nominees and their vital contribution to the reduction of suicide within our communities. At the Award Ceremony, the Suicide Prevention Australia Board was delighted to present Jorgen Gullestrup with the prestigious Leadership LiFE Award for Excellence in Suicide Prevention. Below is a little bit more information about Jorgen and the work does. We hope you enjoy our conversation with him following his award win. In the suicide prevention sector, it is not often that we get to talk about tradies, but tonight, the Board of SPA wanted to honour a plumber by trade. Starting his career in the construction industry, Jorgen saw first-hand the impact of suicide on the workers, their families and friends. Following the 2006 AISRAP investigation into suicide in the Queensland Commercial Building and Construction industry, Jorgen (who, at the time was State Secretary of the Plumbers Union) decided it was time to take action to save the lives of construction workers. Ten years ago, with the help of the Building Employees Redundancy Trust, Jorgen worked together with the construction industry to develop the MATES in Construction program. MATES vision is to be Australia’s leading industry suicide prevention organisation focusing on raising awareness, building capacity, providing help and research. Within the first five years of operation, an 8% reduction in Queensland construction industry suicide rates was achieved. Jorgen has presided over the expansion of the program from Queensland which is now reaching over 138,000 workers across four Australian States. Following the completion of his Masters in Suicidology, he recently won a Churchill Fellowship to investigate and understand approaches to workplace suicide prevention and mental health globally in countries such as Switzerland, Denmark, UK, USA, and New Zealand. Into all of his conversations with colleagues, businesses, unions and community, Jorgen brings a mix of his personal experience with suicidal behaviour, his practical nature and a passion for positive change. His leadership has changed the landscape of the entire construction industry in how they train and support their apprentices, and saved many lives and much grief for families, friends and colleagues. Jorgen has never lost sight of measuring the impact of the MATES in Construction program, resulting in a scalable suicide intervention model that is now translating into the mining sector and inspiring other industries. From Plumber to Suicidologist and ‘change maker’, the SPA board is proud to acknowledge Jorgen Gullestrup with this year’s LiFE award for Excellence in Leadership. #NSPC18 It is so important to talk openly and safely about suicide but, if listening to this triggers difficult emotions in you, please talk about how you’re feeling with a trusted family member, friend or people at one of our partner organisations. Call Lifeline on 131114, MensLine 1300 78 99 78, Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 or Kids Helpline 1800 551800 FREE. [Clic...

Running time 17.41 In 2018 Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) celebrated the 15th Annual LiFE Awards recognising excellence in suicide prevention. The 2018 National Suicide Prevention Conference Dinner played host to this important event and was a chance for the whole sector to appreciate the innovative work being undertaken by our peers and colleagues. The Awards are a prestigious national event that attracts nominations from all areas including business, industry, media, community, government, youth research and medicine – all with an interest in suicide prevention. Nominations are received from all over Australia, and we were delighted with the number of quality nominations this year showcasing the exciting and diverse range of work being undertaken within the field. The nominees range from mainstream programs to local ‘grass roots’ organisations and dedicated individuals. The Awards celebrate the commitment and energy of the nominees and their vital contribution to the reduction of suicide within our communities. At the Award Ceremony, we were delighted to present Joe Williams with the Communities Matter (Individual) Award. Below is a little bit more information about Joe and the work does. We hope you enjoy our conversation with him following his award win. Joe Williams is a proud Wiradjuri First Nations man who not only educates on suicide prevention and mental wellbeing, but also proudly shares his Aboriginal Culture. He speaks of how being spiritually connected and living by the four core values of Love, Care, Respect & Humility he has managed to heal and overcome the adversity he has faced as an Aboriginal man living with mental illness and suicidal ideation. Joe was invited to deliver his 'The Enemy Within' sessions in the remote West Australian community of Carnarvon in conjunction with the local Aboriginal Medical Service. Over three days Joe delivered sessions to various community groups. His ability to connect with such a diverse range of people stems from his own personal pain which he describes in an honest and raw way. This program has had a lasting impact on the community resulting in invitations to return to the community on multiple occasions. Communities see first-hand the significant contribution Joe is making in the suicide prevention sector in Australia and how he is improving the lives of First Nations people through his work. #NSPC18 It is so important to talk openly and safely about suicide but, if listening to this triggers difficult emotions in you, please talk about how you’re feeling with a trusted family member, friend or people at one of our partner organisations. Call Lifeline on 131114, MensLine 1300 78 99 78, Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 or Kids Helpline 1800 551800 FREE. [Click here for a comprehensive list of these and other support services.](https://communitiesmatter.suicidepreventionaust.org/content/useful-contacts)

Suicide Prevention Australia is pleased to advise that the National Suicide Prevention Research Fund is today opening applications for PhD scholarships. There are six scholarships being offered each valued at $105,000 over three years. **Applications open Monday 25th June and close 3rd August 2018.** [Please read and share the application information on our website.](https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/higher-degree-research-scholarships) The aim of the scholarship program is to support outstanding graduates early in their research career to be trained to conduct research that is relevant to all aspects of suicide prevention, is internationally competitive and will assist in developing a capacity for original independent research within Australia. Review the Guidelines for Scholarships to determine eligibility, funding and the criteria for assessment. There will be up to six scholarships offered to researchers in the 2018. Three of these will be funded directly through the National Suicide Prevention Research Fund. Up to three additional scholarships will be funded by SPA partners supporting research into suicide and its prevention An important note is that the partner scholarships have some specific areas of interest: • Regional Australia Bank is seeking a candidate studying at a regional university who is seeking to better understand suicide in rural and regional communities • Anytime Fitness Australia has a specific interest in candidates who are exploring links between physical activity and its role in suicide prevention. We are encouraging applications from those who are working fulltime in the sector and simultaneously completing their PhD. In support of these individuals we will be offering flexible funding options through this program. #SuicidePrevention #ManyVoicesOneGoal

Dr Sally Spencer-Thomas is a clinical psychologist and mental health advocate. She has been involved in numerous large scale awareness and public education campaigns in mental health and suicide prevention, including man therapy, an innovative men’s suicide prevention campaign using humour, media and digital engagement to promote mental health and suicide prevention to high risk men. Sally spoke with SPA Knowledge Exchange Manager Michelle Kwan recently at the International Association for Suicide Prevention Conference in Waitangi, Bay of Islands in New Zealand, about some of the challenges to help-seeking for men and the impact of rebranding mental health care to align to the values of your audience. More about IASP Asia Pacific 2018 at https://iasp.info/newzealand/

Associate Professor Kerry Gibson ( Director Clinical Psychology Programme of the School of Psychology at the University of Auckland) spoke with SPA Lived Experience Network Manager Tracy McCown about The Mirror Project. More about The Mirror Project at https://www.themirrorproject.co.nz/ More about IASP Asia Pacific 2018 at https://iasp.info/newzealand/

Dr Linda Langford is a great resource to the suicide prevention sector’s push for quality improvement. She has the exciting role of Evaluation and Communication Scientist at the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. She previously co-managed the US Best Practices Registry for Suicide Prevention and has a wealth of knowledge around the challenges and benefits of developing and maintaining a national online register of evaluated programs and services. She has also worked on suicide prevention messaging and stigma reduction with the US Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs and Education. From 1998 to 2005, she was an Assistant Clinical Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine and is a Visiting Scientist at Harvard’s Department of Health Policy and Management. She spoke with SPA General Manager Nikki Kelso on the importance of evaluating suicide prevention programs. Find out more about the Suicide Prevention Resource Center at https://www.sprc.org/ Visit the newly launched Australian Suicide Prevention Hub at https://suicidepreventionhub.org.au

Suicide Prevention Resource Center Director Elly Stout is a public health professional with extensive experience in suicide prevention, social marketing, and health promotion with diverse populations. She works with diverse audiences, national partners, and stakeholders to support capacity building and infrastructure development in states, organisations, health systems, and communities to reduce suicide deaths and attempts across the United States. With nearly 20 years’ experience in public health, she currently directs the SAMHSA-funded Suicide Prevention Resource Center, the only federally funded resource center in the United States dedicated to advancing the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. Her skills include strategic planning and communication, financial analysis and budget management, fundraising and donor relations, and team leadership and human resources management. Before coming to EDC, she worked domestically and internationally in HIV/AIDS prevention and maternal and child health, as well as with immigrant and refugee health programs. She shares her key insight of what she wishes everyone working in suicide prevention know, and her best advice for people looking to get started in suicide prevention, with SPA General Manager Nikki Kelso at the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) conference in Washington, DC, USA. Find out more about the Suicide Prevention Resource Center at https://www.sprc.org/ Visit the newly launched Australian Suicide Prevention Hub at https://suicidepreventionhub.org.au

Sadé Heart of the Hawk Ali, Tribal Lead for the Zero Suicide Institute talks with SPA General Manager Nikki Kelso at the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) conference in Washington, DC, USA.  Heart of the Hawk is a First Nations Mi'kmaq (northern USA and southern Canada) who identifies as Two Spirit. She has been in the behavioural health field for almost fifty years and, for the past 2 decades has dedicated her life not only to her own healing from intergenerational and historical trauma, but to also educating others on the impact of trauma on her People. She is a pow wow dancer, a shawl maker, president of First Nations, LLC, and a lifetime member of SAIGE (Society of American Indian Government Employees).  She speaks about why it is essential to involve First Nations peoples in all suicide prevention efforts. Find out more about the AAS Conference at http://www.suicidology.org/Annual-Conference/51st-Annual-Conference Talking openly about suicide is so important, however this can bring up difficult emotions. Please reach out to a trusted family member or friend if you need to talk about how you're feeling - or one of our trusted colleagues: * Lifeline 13 11 14   * Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467   * Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800   * MensLine 1300 78 99 78   * beyondblue 1300 22 4636   * Qlife 1800 184 527   For a comprehensive list of support available to you in Australia, visit www.suicidepreventionaust.org and click on the Get Help button.

SPA General Manager Nikki Kelso interviews Dr Julie Cerel, President of the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) at their annual conference held this week in Washington, DC, USA. Dr. Cerel is a licensed clinical psychologist and Professor in the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky. Her research has focused on suicide bereavement, suicide attempt survivors and suicide prevention. She completed her PhD from The Ohio State University, an internship and post-doctoral fellowship from West Virginia University and a post-doctoral fellowship specifically in suicide prevention from University of Rochester. She has served as Research Division Chair and Board Chair of American Association of Suicidology. She is the author of over 50 academic publications and co-author of Seeking Hope: Stories of the Suicide Bereaved. Her work has been funded by the Military Suicide Research Consortium from the U.S. Department of Defense, the CDC, SAMHSA, SPAN-USA and AFSP. She is a Board member and former chair, Kentucky Suicide Prevention Group, Inc. and Editorial Board Member, Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior. Dr. Cerel mentors and collaborates with a diverse group of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students at UK and internationally.  At the conference, Dr Cerel reinforced #not6 research that debunked the previously commonly reported statistic that for every person who dies by suicide, six people are deeply affected.   Find out more about the AAS Conference at http://www.suicidology.org/Annual-Conference/51st-Annual-Conference Talking openly about suicide is so important, however this can bring up difficult emotions. Please reach out to a trusted family member or friend if you need to talk about how you're feeling - or one of our trusted colleagues:  * Lifeline 13 11 14  * Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467  * Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800  * MensLine 1300 78 99 78  * beyondblue 1300 22 4636  * Qlife 1800 184 527  For a comprehensive list of support available to you in Australia, visit www.suicidepreventionaust.org and click on the Get Help button.

Pictured: Naomi with SPA Acting CEO Kim Borrowdale. As part of a series of State/Territory roundtable meetings with Suicide Prevention Australia Associate, Lived Experience Network and Organisation Members, our Chair, Board and Staff hosted a number of group and individual meetings. Today, SPA Chair Matthew Tukaki met with Naomi Frauenfelder, Executive Director of SPA Member Organisation Tracksafe Foundation. After the meeting, Naomi joined Kim on our podcast channel to talk about Rail R U OK?Day this week, what Tracksafe Foundation does and their work with R U OK? and other Members such as Lifeline, as well as international collaboration efforts. Find out more about Tracksafe Foundation at http://tracksafefoundation.com.au/ Not an SPA Member? Find out more and join today at https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/membership #ManyVoicesOneGoal #SuicidePrevention

Pictured: Liz with SPA Research Fund Director Sue Murray As part of a series of State/Territory roundtable meetings with Suicide Prevention Australia Associate, Lived Experience Network and Organisation Members, Research Fund Director Sue Murray hosted a breakfast meeting with Hobart based Members on 23 March 2018. After the meeting, Sue sat down with CEO of Member Organisation RAW (Rural Alive & Well Inc.), Liz Little. Find out more about Rural Alive & Well (RAW) at http://www.rawtas.com.au/ Not an SPA Member? Find out more and join today at https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/membership #ManyVoicesOneGoal #SuicidePrevention

Pictured: Claire with SPA Board Director Luke Mann As part of a series of State/Territory roundtable meetings with Suicide Prevention Australia Associate, Lived Experience Network and Organisation Members, our Chair Matthew Tukaki and Acting CEO Kim Borrowdale hosted a breakfast meeting with Sydney based Members on 20 March 2018. After the meeting, Kim sat down with CEO of Member Organisation JewishCare NSW, Claire Vernon, to talk about some of the key points of discussion and to hear more about the local suicide prevention strategy they've been working on with other SPA Members and across the communities they support. Find out more about JewishCare at http://www.jewishcare.com.au/ Not an SPA Member? Find out more and join today at https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/membership #ManyVoicesOneGoal #SuicidePrevention

As part of a series of State/Territory roundtable meetings with Suicide Prevention Australia Associate, Lived Experience Network and Organisation Members, our Chair Matthew Tukaki and Research Fund Director Sue Murray visited Perth in Western Australia. After the meeting, Sue sat down with CEO of Member Organisation Youth Focus WA, Fiona Kalaf, to talk about some of the key points of discussion and issues being faced at a national and state level in suicide prevention from her perspective. #ManyVoicesOneGoal #SuicidePrevention

John Harper is a farmer and former shearer. He is also the founder of the depression-fighting community self-help program Mate Helping Mate, and has worked for years with SPA Member Riverina Bluebell Suicide Prevention Network and others to support strengthening of communities' and individuals’ mental health. We caught up with John in the SPA office when he popped in to update us on his latest rural outreach project. Have a listen to what John is most proud of in his years working in this space and hear some tips on connecting when in rural and remote areas. #CommunitiesMatter #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealth

A Suicide Prevention Australia Member-Primary Health Network-Lived Experience Network Evaluation Workshop was convened on 8 February 29018 in Sydney to support those working in suicide prevention to build up skills and evaluation design and techniques. After the workshop we sat down for a few minutes to talk with presenters Mr Alan Woodward, Executive Director, Lifeline Research Foundation and Dr Helen Jordan, Senior Lecturer, Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne. This one-day workshop provided participants with the opportunity to build up skills in evaluation and evaluation techniques. SPA Members, Lived Experience representatives and PHN staff were able to engage and learn from each other. Presentations covered: * What is evaluation? An outline of the evaluation process, definitions and terminology, key steps in evaluation, and why and when do evaluation and by whom  * Insights and challenges in managing an evaluation program including data sources, how to involve those with lived experience and consumer voices, safety and appropriateness  * The use of logic models and evaluation frameworks to describe and assess a program’s key components  * Case Study - Gap Park  * A demonstration of the Suicide Prevention Hub  * Learning activity - building on the learning from the morning, participants undertook a practical exercise to design an evaluation, applying the steps and processes involved.

Audio of a video message from Suicide Prevention Australia Chair Matthew Tukaki. He has some important news to share with you about our organisation. This includes the search for a new Chief Executive Officer and our announcement appointing a new Research Fund Director to take charge of the new National Research Fund administered by Suicide Prevention Australia on behalf of the Australia Government.  TRANSCRIPT:  Hello friends The Suicide Prevention Australia team has come into the new year with a lot to do and a shared passion and energy to work with our Members and colleagues to support more Australians to live.  Today, as SPA Chair, I have some exciting news to share with you. As you may know, SPA’s functions have expanded in the past 12 months with Government and organisation investment in Australia’s first National Research Fund dedicated to suicide prevention and an online Best Practice Hub. This is a huge piece of work that needs to be managed alongside the existing work we do for our Members. To support this, we have revised the role of CEO and introduced a new role of Research Fund Director, for which we undertook an extensive recruitment process. I am delighted to announce that the person who introduced the concept of the dedicated suicide prevention research fund and led the campaign to get it funded, will continue to be a driving force for the fund. Congratulations to Sue Murray, our new Research Fund Director. We are delighted that Sue has accepted this exciting new role, but it does mean we had to accept her resignation as CEO. To ensure stability and service as we go through the recruitment process Deputy CEO Kim Borrowdale, known to many of you in her four years working for SPA has agreed to take on the Acting CEO role with ongoing support from Sue. The SPA Board is confident these transition arrangements will ensure leadership continuity and operational consistency for our Members and stakeholders. So, what now? SPA will be business as usual as we commence the search for an ambitious, innovative, strategic leader to join our team as Chief Executive Officer. Let me know if you or someone you know would like to throw their hat in the ring for SPA CEO. As with every top job in this sector, the role will come with its challenges but the contribution the CEO makes, as we’ve seen with Sue and those before her at SPA, is invaluable. Thank you as always for your support. [View and share the CEO Job Advertisement](https://probonoaustralia.com.au/jobs/2018/02/chief-executive-officer-149/) Matthew Tukaki, Chair Chair , Suicide Prevention Australia  Email: chair@suicidepreventionaust.org

2017 marks 25 years of Suicide Prevention Australia in operation. We spoke with Professor Hickie about achievements and challenges he has seen in that time when it comes to suicide prevention Australia. Thank you Ian for sharing your time and insights in this interview and in all your years working alongside SPA Board, Members and Staff. It is so important to talk openly and safely about suicide but, if watching this video brings up difficult emotions in you, please talk about how you’re feeling with a trusted family member, friend or people at one of our partner organisations. Call Lifeline on 131114, MensLine 1300 78 99 78, Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 or Kids Helpline 1800 551800 FREE. For more services and support visit www.suicidepreventionaust.org and click on Get Help. #25yearsofSPA #SuicidePrevention #ManyVoicesOneGoal

Trent is a youth worker in Broome (WA), a headspace National Youth Mentor, a suicide attempt survivor, a gifted artist, a member of Suicide Prevention Australia’s National Lived Experience Network and a young person who has been through the toughest of times but still holds an immense amount of hope for the future. “There is a war raging in many young minds right now and it wasn’t until I started fighting my own mental health battles that I realised how awful this war really can get. If I could tell a young person one thing, it’s that I’ve learned a lot about what it really means to be tough. It isn't about how many dangerous situations you put yourself in. It's about fighting through the trials life throws at you. It's not about acting like you're invincible; it's about being brave enough to ask for help when you need it. If I’d reached out earlier, decided that help was possible and gone to get help sooner, a lot of my pain could have been prevented. As individuals we need to get to know ourselves better and understand what the signs may be that we’re not coping before it gets to crisis point. In the future, I want anyone who reaches out for help for themselves or someone they know, to be able to get that help when and where they need it. I want there to be compassion in how we treat each other and less self stigma in how we treat ourselves. I tell the young people I work with that they have the purpose and potential to achieve well beyond their wildest dreams. I believe these, often forgotten youth, have more potential than most and their pasts have developed them to a level of unique resilience. If they are given the opportunity they can literally change the world. I believe this is also true for suicide prevention in this country. We have a shared purpose of supporting more Australians to live. We have seen so much change in the past 25 years and have learned so much about what needs to happen in suicide prevention. We have the potential to change the world over the next 25 years. While ever we have hope, we have a future that can be better than today. Together, we can do this.” #25yearsofSPA #livedexp #hope #resilience #suicideprevention #ManyVoicesOneGoal 24/7 crisis support information Lifeline 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 MensLine 1300 78 99 78 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Qlife 1800 184 527 For a comprehensive list of support available to you in Australia, visit www.suicidepreventionaust.org and click on the Get Help button.

PHOTO: World Suicide Prevention Day campaign 2013 (SPA CEO Sue Murray front centre with megaphone) In 1992, venerable suicide prevention advocate Alan Staines returned from an international conference with an ambitious plan to establish Australia’s first national voice for suicide and suicide prevention. His passion won over clinicians and advocates alike and Suicide Prevention Australia was born. From the start, Suicide Prevention Australia had some lofty goals. Their purpose was a world without suicide and they aimed to tackle the issue through leadership, collaboration, education and advocacy. Today, Suicide Prevention Australia is a peak body that represents more than 80 members and hundreds of associate members nationally, as well as holding productive partnerships with individuals and organisations across the world. As an organisation, we have directly influenced how suicide is perceived by the community and our relationships with all levels of government have increased investment and driven improved policy. We foster collaboration and shared experience through our National Suicide Prevention Conference and recognise those who have made a difference through our LiFE Awards. The establishment of the first national Lived Experience Network in 2013 led to significant improvements in how those with personal experience of suicide engaged with clinicians, researchers and policy makers. We believe that the best suicide prevention involves the integration of lived experience, scientific evidence and clinical best practice. To this end, we led a sector-wide process to develop the first national suicide research strategy and have created new partnerships to improve data collection and service evaluation. In 2017, the hard work and national advocacy of our membership paid off with suicide prevention becoming one of the key pillars of the 5th National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan. Acknowledging the potential held by our researchers, the Commonwealth Government and Suicide Prevention Australia has established the first National Suicide Prevention Research Fund. Of course, these achievements have come about from the hard work of many. As the current CEO, I am so very grateful for vision of my predecessors. I cannot possibly name everyone but I would like to especially acknowledge our Founder Alan Staines and the group of those he called upon to join him in the early days including Professor Brent Walters, Dr John Howard, , Dr Michael Dudley, Professor Martin Harris, , Professor Ian Webster AO, Professor Bob Goldney, Sheila Clark, Jonine Penrose-Wall, Mercy Baird, Professor Graham Martin AO, Tony Humphrey, Paul Moulds, Wayne Magee – and so many others who have contributed to the leadership of SPA since day one. We could not have made the impact we have without the passion and dedication of our staff and volunteers, and I would like to especially thank all of the past and present staff for their dedication and commitment to communities across Australia. Finally, I would like emphasise that Suicide Prevention Australia would not exist without our Organisation Members and Associate Members. Their collaborative spirit and collective insight has enabled this tidal wave of change. Twenty five years down the line and Suicide Prevention Australia still stands for same principles and purpose. Every suicide is a tragedy and the impact is felt across families, workplaces and whole communities. #25yearsofSPA #CommunitiesMatter #suicideprevention #ManyVoicesOneGoal 24/7 crisis support information Lifeline 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 MensLine 1300 78 99 78 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Qlife 1800 184 527 For a comprehensive list of support available to you in Australia, visit www.suicidepreventionaust.org and click on the Get Help button.

We are pleased to announce that Matthew Tukaki has been elected as Suicide Prevention Australia Chair following Murray Bleach's decision to step down. Matthew shared this short video message about the appointment earlier today. Transcript listed below. "Friends; Big news to share today. Yesterday my fellow Suicide Prevention Australia Directors elected me as Chair. I am humbled by their vote of confidence. Thank you to Murray Muz Bleach for all he has done for the organisation since 2011. It will be tough to step into your shoes but I am excited to step up into the role after six years serving on the SPA Board. In my time with SPA I have seen immense change in this sector and how SPA operates as a Member organisation. I am passionate about SPA Membership better reflecting the diverse needs of Australians. I want to see greater representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, regional and remote communities and the increasing role our members can play when it comes to the diversity of our workplaces and businesses. Now is the time to remain committed to ongoing reform. Now is the time to be bold in seeking out new ways of working and creating environments through which innovation can thrive Now is the time to deepen our resolve to work collaboratively, identifying the linkages between social and economic factors, the communities and environments in which we live. As you know, suicide prevention is very personal to me, as it is to so many of you. I feel that the pain but most of all I am motivated by the hope and resilience shown by the Australians I meet each day. Thank you for your ongoing support for SPA and everything we do with our Members to support more Australians to live. and a significant amount of thanks to Jackie Crowe Mike King and Mark Spinks" Approved by Suicide Prevention Australia https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org... 24/7 crisis support information Lifeline 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 MensLine 1300 78 99 78 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Qlife 1800 184 527 #ManyVoicesOneGoal #suicideprevention #livedexp

SPA Chair Matthew Tukaki, Policy and Engagement Manager Stephen Holland and Community and Corporate Relations Executive Jonathan Leeming were honoured to join SPA Member Organisation Babana Aboriginal Men's Group recently for their annual suicide prevention gathering. This free event open to all involved sailing to Goat Island on the Mari Nawi owned by Tribal Warrior. In this podcast episode, Jonathan has a quick chat to Mark Spinks about why they put this event on for the community. #CommunitiesMatter #suicideprevention #ManyVoicesOneGoal 24/7 crisis support information Lifeline 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 MensLine 1300 78 99 78 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Qlife 1800 184 527 For a comprehensive list of support available to you in Australia, visit www.suicidepreventionaust.org and click on the Get Help button.

SPA team member Nikki speaks with Community Ambassador Joe Williams at a Sydney Ideas event on 26 October 2017. Running time: 55 seconds. The forum brought together expert First Nations Community and University speakers to discuss the importance of increasing awareness about mental illness within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Joe Williams, a First Nations mental health campaigner and former elite athlete, shares his story and discusses his current work in the keynote address. He is joined in a panel discussion by University of Sydney and community members Dr Vanessa Lee (also SPA Board Director) , Percival Knight and Will Muwadda. Facilitated by actor Luke Carroll. More information http://sydney.edu.au/sydney_ideas/lectures/2017/aboriginal_torres_strait_islander_mental_health_forum.shtml #mentalhealthmonth #livedexp #SydneyIdeas #mentalhealth

On R U OK?Day (14 September), we had a chat with Commando about why he signed up to support R U OK? as an Ambassador, his experiences on the road as part of the Conversation Convoy and how he manages his mental wellness. A conversation can change a life. Visit ruok.org.au to find out more about how to have those conversations and check in with people in your life. #RUOK #Youvegotwhatittakes It is so important to talk openly and safely about suicide but, if listening to this triggers difficult emotions in you, please talk about how you’re feeling with a trusted family member, friend or people at one of our partner organisations. Call Lifeline on 131114, MensLine 1300 78 99 78, Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 or Kids Helpline 1800 551800 FREE. For a comprehensive list of Australian support and services available visit https://communitiesmatter.suicidepreventionaust.org/content/useful-contacts Outside of Australia? Find local support http://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/

Our Lived Experience Network Manager, Tracy, is in Bega today supporting the Bega Valley Suicide Prevention Action Network's contribution to World Suicide Prevention Day, their regular stand at the local markets. It sounds like a beautiful day and an inviting location for conversations. Thank you Bega SPAN and Tracy for taking a minute to share with us what you're up to today. A conversation at the markets with people like yourselves equipped with conversation tools and support information really can change a life. #WSPD #Takeaminutechangealife Talking about suicide is so important but it can bring up tough emotions, particularly on days like today. Please take care and reach out to a trusted family member, friend or one of our partners if you need to talk about how you’re feeling https://communitiesmatter.suicidepreventionaust.org/content/useful-contacts

Pictured: Gus Worland, Kim Borrowdale and Hunter Johnson Beat the Breakdown Spring Ball #beatthebreakdown #suicideprevention 1 September 2017, Sydney Thanks Gus. As Gus mentioned, I work for Suicide Prevention Australia, the peak body for suicide prevention in this country. We bring together not for profits, business, Government and community to work together on the complex and very individual challenge of suicide. One of our Member Organisations is Lifeline Australia, who are extremely grateful for your support this evening. I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge all of you in the room tonight with personal experience of suicide and the pain it brings to our lives. We are united by those experiences as well as by our hope for a better future. It will probably come as no surprise to you that I came to work in this space after my family was impacted by suicide. Before it touched our lives, I didn't personally know anyone who had killed themselves. I didn't know anyone who had tried to end their life and had no idea that so many people live with regular thoughts of suicide. Like me, before my aunt died by suicide, you may not be aware of the magnitude of people affected by suicide in this country. In the last official data release, we learnt that 3,027 people killed themselves in Australia during 2015. That is more than TWICE the national road toll. Think about that for a minute. Think about all the investment, campaigning and conversation we have about road safety; about how to take care on the roads. Think about how much we report those devastating yet mostly preventable deaths. More than double that number of people are dying by suicide each year. Each one of these 3,027 deaths was someone’s mother, father, brother, sister, workmate, someone’s friend. Added to this are the hundreds of thousands of people who attempt suicide, plan to kill themselves or think about suicide each year. But, there is good news. Research tells us that suicide is mostly preventable. As someone who is bereaved by suicide, that is an extremely hard but also reassuring message to hear. Through my work at Suicide Prevention Australia we are honoured to learn from suicide attempt survivors as part of our national Lived Experience Network. Many attempt survivors have told us that they didn't want to die, they wanted the pain to go away. Every time I hear that, I find it equal parts heart-wrenching and hopeful. It says to me that if we can find a way to talk about that pain, to stop that pain from being so unbearable for people, then we can support more people to live. I could talk for hours about lessons I have learned from people we work with and the work our Members are doing to prevent suicide. But, what I’d like to talk about tonight is three suicide myths that I'd like your help to bust. Myth 1: If I’m worried about someone, and I ask them if they are thinking about suicide, that will put the idea in their head Evidence tells us that this is absolutely not the case. If you are worried about someone and think they are at risk of suicide, ask them. Ask them directly. Have you been having thoughts of suicide? Are you thinking about killing yourself? You are not going to put the idea in their head. Asking the question is tough and uncomfortable but wouldn’t you rather the discomfort or anger and the person still be alive? If you are worried, ask. Myth 2: All people who kill themselves or think about suicide have a mental illness Yes, people who try to kill themselves are undoubtedly experiencing mental distress at that time - but research tells us that suicide is not always thought about and acted upon by someone with a mental illness. In fact, all sorts of emotional and social pressures can contribute to someone choosing to take their own life. It could be about a relationship breakdown, financial pressures, work stress, chronic pain or injury. It could be many of those things combined that is weighing ...

Professor Graham Martin, University of Queensland, delivers the 2017 Diego de Leo Opening Address, 'Mind The Gaps' - on Relationships, Resilience and Respect at the National Suicide Prevention Conference, Sofitel, Brisbane 26-29 July. Sponsored by Griffith University and the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention. If you or anyone you know is experiencing a personal crisis, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. #ManyVoicesOneGoal #suicideprevention #NSPC17

Dr Kim Van Orden, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA on 'Connecting and contributing - Behavioural strategies to improve relationships and reduce suicide risk in later life' at the National Suicide Prevention Conference at the Sofitel in Brisbane 26-29 July. Sponsored by Mates In Construction. If you or anyone you know is experiencing a personal crisis, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. #ManyVoicesOneGoal #suicideprevention #NSPC17

Professor Ella Arensman, Scientific Director, National Suicide Research Foundation and Research Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College Cork, Ireland, Past President, International Association for Suicide Prevention on 'Self-harm and suicide in young people and those in the middle age group - Associated risk factors and evidence based interventions' at the National Suicide Prevention Conference at the Sofitel in Brisbane 26-29 July. Sponsored by The Ian Potter Foundation. If you or anyone you know is experiencing a personal crisis, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. #ManyVoicesOneGoal #suicideprevention #NSPC17

June Oscar AO, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner on 'Strength in culture - Pathways between pain and resilience' at the National Suicide Prevention Conference at the Sofitel in Brisbane 26-29 July. If you or anyone you know is experiencing a personal crisis, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. #ManyVoicesOneGoal #suicideprevention #NSPC17

Dr Michael Dudley AM is a Senior Staff Specialist in Psychiatry with Sydney’s Prince of Wales Hospital Adolescent Service and Conjoint Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry, University of New South Wales. He primarily works as a clinician to young people, families and parents in an adolescent mental health service. As a conjoint academic, he is involved in teaching suicide prevention and youth mental health to medical students at UNSW, and serves on various boards and committees. He maintains interests in rural and Indigenous suicide and mental health issues, ethics, and the role of religion/spirituality and mental health in contemporary culture. In 2011 Michael became a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for work in child and adolescent mental health and a range of professional associations and has been acknowledged by the NSW Health Department’s Better Health Awards, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry and ReachOut.com. This has included specific recognition for his work on gun control as well as his extensive experience working with youth, Indigenous people, and refugees who are at risk of suicide and self harm. He is a reviewer for the Medical Journal of Australia; the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry; Australasian Psychiatry; Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. His memberships have included the Australian Suicide Prevention Advisory Committee (ASPAC), the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s Mental Health Advisory Sub-Group and the New South Wales Suicide Prevention Advisory Committee. In 1992 he became a founding Director of Suicide Prevention Australia and was the Chair of the organisation between 2000 and 2015. Under his leadership SPA widened its responsibilities and established its role as the peak body for all organisations and individuals working in suicide prevention. In the last decade, he has been author or co-author on over 40 publications. It is impossible to calculate the value of his research and teachings to the suicide prevention field in Australia. We are honoured to present a LiFEtime Achievement Award to Michael Dudley.

The recipient of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander category award is: The Suicide Story Aboriginal Advisory Group, Mental Health Association of Central Australia’s Suicide Story Program We speak with Jody Kopp, representing Suicide Story. Suicide Story is a suicide prevention and community capacity building program developed at the request of and with remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. The program content was developed in collaboration between Mental Health Association of Central Australia (MHACA) and local Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory and the content reflects the teachings and guidance of Aboriginal people. The Suicide Story Aboriginal Advisory Group (SSAAG) is a group of community leaders and Aboriginal allied health workers who ensure cultural competence and storytelling integrity throughout workshop deliveries. They have been described as “cultural brokers”, maintaining cultural integrity across a huge geographical scale, in 20 language groups, supporting safe discussion of an issue that’s difficult for many people. The SSAAG is a voluntary and long-term membership and members are drawn from Central, Barkly and Top End regions of the Northern Territory. Workshops are delivered by local Aboriginal facilitators trained in the Suicide Story content and ‘both-ways’ learning and who use cultural pedagogy to guide participants through the process of understanding suicide and reducing stigma so that participants can effectively identify and respond to the suicidal risk signs within their communities. The SSAAG (in collaboration with MHACA program staff) monitor, evaluate and review all workshop deliveries and provide critical assistance with community relationship building. These evaluations show an increase in both knowledge and resilience with 97% of participants capable of identifying the ‘warning signs’ of suicide and 98% stating the workshop ‘strengthened their fire’ (emotional spirit). SSAAG members spoke alongside MHACA in the Living is for Everyone LiFE video series. In 2016 Suicide Story was awarded the NT Human Rights Social Change Award and is positively mentioned in the ATSISPEP report. SSAAG members’ dedication to delivery of a culturally appropriate grassroots, evidence-based program, and the ongoing evaluation of delivery, makes them worthy recipients of this LiFE Award. We present Members of the Suicide Story Aboriginal Advisory Group with a LiFE Award tonight and commend them for all of their achievements and their ongoing efforts to reduce suicide in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. #ManyVoicesOneGoal #suicideprevention

We speak with Pauline Neil from the Life4Life program. Live4Life is a unique schools and community partnership, locally place based initiative, addressing youth suicide through mental health promotion, in the Macedon Ranges, central Victoria since 2010. It was developed in response to a number of youth suicides in the local area, which already had a high rate of suicide. The goal of Live4Life is to educate young people and their communities empowering them to seek help and help others who may be dealing with a mental health issue. Live4Life partners with community organisations and five secondary schools in the Macedon Ranges to deliver interactive mental health awareness education sessions to year 8 students. A group of 30 Year 9 and 10 students form the Live4Life crew and assist in the delivery of education and events to year 8 students Live4Life also delivers Youth Mental Health First Aid training to parents, teachers and the broader community several times each year to further support young people and Teen Mental Health First Aid Training (for year 11 students) was added in 2014. Live4Life is innovative in that it targets all young people – not only those with an identified mental illness or who have been identified as “at risk”. Live4Life is independently evaluated each year. Teachers comment they are better able to identify behaviours that are a possible mental health concern, not just a discipline issue. Students feel teachers are better able to understand and support them. Parents report that their children’s death has been prevented by their peers, due to the knowledge gained from the training they received. Live4Life (Macedon Ranges Shire Council) has been awarded a MHFA skilled workplace gold badge 2017, was a finalist in the VicHealth Awards 2016, highly commended in the READYS 2013 and was the winner of the MHFA Award 2012. The reach of the program is such that all young people in the community are aware of Live4Life. The first students to receive Live4Life are now 21 and in the life of the program not a single student involved with Live4Life has suicided. #ManyVoicesOneGoal #suicideprevention

We speak with Dr Kairi Kolves, who is the Principal Research Fellow and Course Convener at AISRAP. The Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention (AISRAP) has been a research centre at Griffith University since 1996, delivering high quality research, clinical services, training & education in suicide prevention.. Since 2008 AISRAP has been a National Centre of Excellence in suicide prevention informing the Department of Health on policy, prevention and best-practice initiatives nationally. AISRAP is the only World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention in Australia, and one of only five centres in the world of this kind. AISRAP made significant contributions to the 2014 WHO Preventing suicide: A global imperative report and has collaborated with numerous stakeholders in suicide research and prevention both nationally and internationally over the past 2 decades. Its researchers are highly respected international experts, with over 200 peer-reviewed journal publications and presentations in the last five years. AISRAP manages the Queensland Suicide Register (QSR), one of the most comprehensive databases of its kind in in the Asia Pacific region. Since 1990 the QSR has informed critical suicide prevention policy and action plans of the Queensland State Government, funded by Queensland Health and more recently (since 2014) the Queensland Mental Health Commission. The QSR has recently been a pivotal resource of evidence based information assisting Primary Health Networks in planning and evaluating practical needs-based regional suicide prevention initiatives. In response to the absence of accurate and standardised recording systems for non-fatal suicidal behaviour, AISRAP designed and operates a unique database for monitoring of suicide attempts and self-harm presentations at hospital emergency departments (World Health Organization Suicide Trends in At-Risk Territories (START) Study). AISRAP has produced 16 volumes of Suicide Research: Selected Readings, a biannual critical literature review series that identifies and outlines recent advances and developments in international research in suicide prevention, collating all newly released publications that explicitly refer to fatal and/or non-fatal suicidal behaviours and related issues. AISRAP’s highly innovative Screening Tool for Assessing Risk of Suicide training in suicide risk assessment has recently been translated into 5 languages. The Institute’s Life Promotion Clinic is the only outpatient treatment/research clinic providing an alternative to hospitalised-based care for those with a history of suicidal behaviour. #ManyVoicesOneGoal #suicideprevention

Gus Worland is a broadcaster with Sydney’s Triple M radio station and a passionate advocate for the health and happiness of Australian men. He is the presenter of three-part television series which aired on the ABC in October 2016, Man Up, created by Heiress Films in collaboration with the University of Melbourne’s Professor Jane Pirkis, Movember Foundation, the ABC and others. Man Up follows Gus visiting community organisations such as Lifeline to learn about the support services available for people struggling with life’s challenges or thinking about suicide. He also speaks to men who have attempted suicide to understand what led them to that depth of despair and, importantly, to ask: how did they recover? The series is intensely personal for Gus, who lost one of his best friends to suicide in 2006. The episodes chart Gus’s attempt to understand what his friend was thinking and why he didn’t reach out for help. In doing so, Gus explores the stoic ideals of manhood ways that are heart-warming, humorous and, at times, heartbreaking. In Gus, the project found someone with great passion, openness, relatability and, importantly, humour. The Man Up team then provided the safe and effective platform on which Gus could tell his personal story of loss. The series is a ground-breaking approach to reach men on the issue of male suicide in Australia through a holistic approach to entertainment, education, community engagement, research and evaluation. The TV series is supported by a social media campaign, an online resource and academic evaluation on male viewers’ perceptions of suicide, help-seeking behaviours and awareness of support services led by internationally-regarded researcher Jane Pirkis, one of Australia’s leading suicide experts. It seeks to learn from, and reaches, men from all walks of life, not just the experts. Since Man Up’s release, Gus has continued to demonstrate his strong commitment to suicide prevention, including attendance at key sector events, dozens of school and grassroots organisations visits, involvement in charitable fundraising and media advocacy. To date, the TV production and Gus have received 40 personal messages from Australian men who have shared that they have interrupted their suicide plans after watching the show. His journey also led him to start the Gotcha4Life foundation, which launched last month during men's mental health week. In short, Gus and the team behind Man Up have been able to turn a tragedy – the suicide of Gus’ close friend – into a positive, engaging and heart-warming campaign that will continue to change the lives of so many for the better. #ManyVoicesOneGoal #suicideprevention

Community Engagement (Organisation): SPEAK UP Stay ChatTY When his younger brother Ty took his own life in 2013, Mitch McPherson founded the suicide prevention charity SPEAK UP Stay ChatTY, to spread the message that nothing is so bad that you can’t talk about it. Stay ChatTY work in partnership with Relationships Australia Tasmania. SUSCs dedicated approach to suicide prevention and awareness has seen the charity positively affect the lives of thousands of Tasmanians, using personal experience to promote the importance of checking in with family and friends to identify possible hidden issues affecting individuals. Since 2013, SUSC has spoken to more than 600 school groups, workplaces and sporting clubs throughout Tasmania and partners with key community groups, businesses and sporting identities. SUSC has raised awareness throughout the community with visual reminders of more than 30,000 bumper stickers, over 8,000 wrist bands and more recently a full clothing range. In 2014 SUSC partnered with Relationships Australia Tasmania to further the reach of the charities key messages. As a result of this partnership, the #TeamChatty Schools Program has been developed and delivered to more than 750 Grade 9 and 10 children in seven Tasmanian schools. In 2016, SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY (SUSC) was awarded the Communities in Action for Suicide Prevention Tasmanian LiFE Award, recognising the huge impact the grass roots charity has had in raising awareness of mental health and suicide prevention within the Tasmanian community. “Stay ChatTY” has become a household name in Tasmania due to the dedication, commitment and tireless work of Mitch and his team of supporters. This award recognises not only the dedication of Mitch but that of everyone involved in the SPEAK UP Stay ChatTY community. #ManyVoicesOneGoal #suicideprevention

Kerrie Keepa is passionate about suicide awareness and prevention. She founded SOS Fast (Survivors of Suicide Fighting Against Suicide Toll) in response to the loss of a brother, two sisters, nephew and her son Chris to suicide, following Chris’s discharge from hospital. SOS Fast hosts regular events to reduce stigma and promote community engagement, raising awareness of mental illness and suicide prevention. Through tireless commitment, Kerrie collected over 65,000 signatures on a Change.org petition calling for better mental health training for hospital emergency department staff. She also established a facebook page SOS Fast that now has a following of more than 30,000 people across the world. As a result of her tireless commitment, Kerrie met with Minister for Health Cameron Dick who in July 2015, announced funding to enhance the capability of Queensland hospital emergency departments. Kerrie says “Our Accident & Emergency staff need to be trained to help all sick people, not just people with physical illnesses". Since Chris' death, Kerrie has been actively urging the government to make mental health reforms. The resulting training package, SRAM –ED (Suicide Risk Assessment and Management for Emergency Department Settings), is a blended learning design that incorporates four eLearning modules along with face-to-face simulation training sessions for all accident and emergecy staff. Approximately 150 staff across Queensland were selected and trained to deliver the face-to-face simulation workshops. Kerrie has also presented at AISRAP’s Lived Experience Panel on World Suicide Prevention Day in 2015 and in 2016, sharing her story and the effect of her advocacy. She has been appointed as a member of the Queensland Mental Health and Drug Advisory Council with a role in the ongoing review of Queensland's mental health policy. She was a finalist in the Courier Mail Pride of Australia People's Choice Medal, and her achievements for suicide prevention were featured as one of the top 14 online petitions that changed Australia in 2015. #ManyVoicesOneGoal #suicideprevention

Wendy French has worked in a variety of suicide prevention programs in Tasmania and throughout Australia. She was responsible for implementing a local site of a national suicide bereavement service in North West Tasmania, which she then managed for five years. 2009-2013). In addition to her “day job” providing Suicide Prevention and Mental Health training to workplaces throughout Tasmania, Wendy has created Talking About Suicide to assist people to have conversations with people at risk of or bereaved by suicide, and is an ambassador for local charity Stigma No More. Her attitude of “Tasmanians helping each other out” is evident in her use of her “spare time”, supporting individuals, families and communities after hours, on weekends, and in the middle of the night, travelling wherever she was needed and ensuring that anyone who needed information and support could get it, when they needed it. Following a suicide in Tasmania which had a terrible impact on a small rural community, Wendy was contacted by members of the community looking for help and volunteered her time and knowledge to support the local services and organisations. This, in turn, enabled them to mount an appropriate response, ensuring that those impacted had adequate and informed support. Wendy has been an active member of the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Community Network and was involved in community consultations for the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Strategy (2016-2020); the Australian Government Senate Inquiry into Suicide in Australia; the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy; the Youth Suicide Prevention Plan for Tasmania; and the Suicide Prevention Workforce Development and Training Plan for Tasmania. She won the Tasmanian LiFE Awards Lifeline Outstanding Contribution Award in 2016 in recognition of her tireless suicide prevention and bereavement support work in Tasmania and throughout Australia. Wendy has also helped communities around Tasmania to develop plans to reduce suicide, and to build their capacity and resilience. While much of Wendy’s work was conducted as part of her employment, her commitment to going that extra mile has meant that individuals, families and communities suffering suicide loss receive the best possible care at the time of their greatest need, and makes her a worthy recipient of this LiFE Award. #ManyVoicesOneGoal #suicideprevention

Danielle Driscoll has been the pivotal driver behind TAFESA's delivery of the LivingWorks ASIST, Suicide First Aid training. Since being trained as a trainer of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training in May 2015, Danielle has delivered 15 Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training sessions. This equates to over 300 people with their Suicide First Aid Certificate, 200 of those in 2016 alone. The ripple effect of the people trained shows that on average 35 lives per trained person will be prevented from being affected by suicide. There is upwards of 9,000 people living suicide safer lives due to Danielle's skills. She is strongly advocating within TAFE SA to provide ASIST training to all staff, improving their ability to support their students and communities. She believes education is the ideal space to nurture intervention and prevention skills for young people and their families and their workers. Danielle also works with people outside of her paid role within TAFESA to ensure the message of suicide prevention is top of mind in communities and that everyday families act safely. Danielle insisted on the inclusion of suicide prevention skills in the TAFE SA qualifications including youth work, juvenile justice, mental health, sport and recreation and community services. She has streamlined ASIST and trauma informed intervention training so that students who are in training to be new and emerging workers in frontline services can be better prepared for the work roles with specialised suicide skills training. She has done this across TAFE campuses across SA. Danielle's perspective is to have all communities feeling confident and provided with culturally sensitive training to prevent suicides. She has been mentored by and works closely with human rights advocate and traditional elder Mr Tauto Sansbury. She has a background in health and through this she has experience working with wider Adelaide Aboriginal community to ensure the utmost respect and cultural competence is demonstrated in all delivery. She modifies and adapts training for people from all walks of life to feel empowered to intervene. She has worked with young people interfacing with the juvenile justice system for 25 years and talking to them and their families about suicide and its prevention. Danielle feels very strongly that young people in the juvenile justice and child protection system are specifically vulnerable and in crisis and in particular the children of traditional communities. Preparing good workers to work with children and young people is an absolute priority for her. Danielle's firm belief in access to education and suicide prevention drives her passion for delivery of the training and integrates the training into her own community, being a pillar of strength to the young people around her to prevent suicide from occurring within her own family. One referee mentioned that they had personally witnessed Danielle in over 25 interventions since 2014. In her career over 25 years working with young people at risk, that number rises to hundreds. #ManyVoicesOneGoal #suicideprevention

Professor Jane Pirkis is Director of the Centre for Mental Health at the University of Melbourne. Professor Pirkis talks about the importance of building the evidence base; improving evaluation processes and the Man Up series, a documentary and digital media campaign dealing with male suicide. Professor Pirkis presented on: Effectiveness of suicide prevention and self-harm intervention programs; and Man-Up at #NSPC17. #ManyVoicesOneGoal #suicideprevention

Associate Professor Phil Batterham is a Fellow in Mental Health Research at the National Institute for Mental Health Research at the Australian National University. Associate Professor Batterham presented at #NSPC17 on the topics of online self-help for suicide prevention; and disclosure of suicidal ideation - patterns, predictors and outcomes. If you or anyone you know is experiencing a personal crisis, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. #suicideprevention #ManyVoicesOneGoal

In 2004 Debbie Knight lost a close friend to suicide. Her loss was just one case in a community which was becoming all too familiar with an issue being labelled as epidemic in the Mackay Region. As often happens, she and a group of friends got together with a view to raising awareness around suicide prevention. They did some fundraising and created the beginnings of a powerful and highly regarded organisation, Grapevine Group Mackay. Debbie has been with this group from the very beginning and in the past 13 years Grapevine has become a foundation stone which underpins the entire mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention movement in the Mackay region. The group's focus - and that which Debbie has campaigned strongly and consistently for - is education. In partnership with local community suicide awareness and fundraising body Run For Mi Life, as well as LifeLine and the nationally renowned Living Works, Grapevine brought to Mackay the highly regarded safeTALK and ASIST programs in 2014. In conjunction with the lobbying and research work conducted behind the scenes, Debbie was also the key driver in designing, constructing and then effectively disseminating a series of powerful awareness campaigns which were strategically published across mainstream, digital and social media platforms. The most prolific of these were the Grapevine Group's Christmas Awareness Campaigns. Through the pages of newspapers and via digital and social media platforms, everyday people in the Mackay region had unprecedented and easy-to-understand information about the signs and triggers, risks and times of need within the community. At a time when few media organisations would consider broaching the subject of suicide prevention around Christmastime, this campaign initially launched in 2011 amid a stong spike in the local suicide rate as the "12 Days of Suicide Prevention for Christmas". This campaign was then nominated as a finalist in the 2011 PANPA Newspaper of the Year National Advertising Campaign Award, an award recognised throughout the Asia-Pacific. Media organisations and other businesses engaged in the campaign adopted email signatures and produced a suite of in-house collateral. During the Christmas 2016-17 Campaign, these display advertisements and a suite of accompanying memes were viewed over 30,000 times. It was real, it was positive and it was compelling. It has stood the test of time and vast changes in the Mackay region's economic and social disposition. It has also been the backbone for Grapevine Group's website and exceptional social media presence. Hers is a commitment fuelled by a belief that every single member of a community has the right – and should have the means – to be empowered to understand and help those in need. And in a regional setting – where the rules of metropolitan, state-wide and national coverage are diluted and seldom applicable – making connections and maintaining them over time and social change, is not just vital, but in this case, it is life saving. #ManyVoicesOneGoal #suicideprevention

Dr Samantha Batchelor, Senior Researcher at Kids Helpline, yourtown, shares her insights into help-seeking in young people, challenges around stigma and the need for early intervention. Kids Helpline is a National crisis call counselling service, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for children and young people aged 5 to 25. Please call 1800 55 1800 for support or visit https://kidshelpline.com.au/kids/get-help/phone-counselling/ for web or email chat.

#NSPC17 Chris Pycroft, Accessibility Engagement Manager, LGBTI and Mental Health Consultant talks about the state of the LGBTI Nation: Mental Health and Wellbeing and some of the challenges experienced in his field of work. #suicideprevention #ManyVoicesOneGoal

Live from #NSPC17 Professor Arensman shares her knowledge and views on some of the biggest challenges she sees in suicide prevention, and comments on interventions and cultural differences #suicideprevention #ManyVoicesOneGoal

Live from the 2017 National Suicide Prevention Conference (NSPC17). Dr Trisha Wallis, Social worker and Psychologist from California Southern University talks to SPA about the Exploration of suicide risk factors among Transgender people. #NSPC17 #suicideprevention #ManyVoicesOneGoal

Dr Kim Van Orden is Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in New York, USA. She speaks with SPA about Connecting and Contributing - Behavioural strategies to improve relationships and reduce suicide risk in later life #NSPC17 #suicideprevention #ManyVoicesOneGoal

Live from the 2017 National Suicide Prevention Conference (NSPC17). Matthew Welch, Clnical Nurse Consultant for Suicide Prevention at the Gold Coast Mental Health and Specialist Service, talks about his work in implementing a Zero Suicide Framework in a large Australian Metropolitan Mental Health Service. #NSPC17 #suicideprevention Visit www.suicidepreventionaust.org/conferences for the full program