Colin Seery, Lifeline Australia Chief Executive Officer, has welcomed the launch of a National Suicide and Self-harm Monitoring System website by the Australian Mental Health Commission and Australian Institute of Health and Welfare as a significant step forward.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released the public website which is funded by the Department of Health.

“This suicide and self-harm monitoring system will greatly improve the way suicide prevention services can respond to suicide risk. It will provide us with greater insight into where both the immediate and heightened risk is occurring, enabling us to put in place preventative measures that will mitigate the risk of harm as soon as it is identified,” Mr Seery says.

Before the launch of the risk register, agencies had to rely on community groups and professional networks to identify immediate risks because the national cause of death data release occurred in October for the calendar year preceding it.

“Once all states are contributing data to the system, this system will give us the opportunity to identify trends, emerging areas of concern and priority groups; which in turn, will facilitate better co-ordination of intervention and supports across agencies. This will help us respond in real time with evidence-based solutions to immediate concerns. It is a hopeful step, especially for communities who are grappling with rising loss of life. Quite simply, access to this information will help us save lives,” Mr Seery says.

While the monitoring system has sections that are specifically for the information of service providers, it will also offer insight to the public so they can be more aware of potential risks.

Lifeline is Australia’s leading suicide prevention service, operating the 13 11 14 telephone line within 40 centres around the nation.  The service expects to respond to well over one million requests for support by phone, online chat or text this year and will create an average of 120 safety plans to keep a person experiencing suicidal ideation safe every day.

If you, or someone you know, is in need of support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days) or chat to a Crisis Supporter at lifeline.org.au (7pm – midnight, 7 nights).