South Australia has launched the nation’s first legislated Suicide Prevention Plan and a $1.5 million commitment to deliver specialised suicide prevention training.

The South Australian Suicide Prevention Plan 2023-2026 incorporates the voices of more than 3,200 South Australians who have experienced suicide distress, cared for someone through suicidal crisis or have lost someone they care about to suicide.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 44 and one in nine South Australian adults experience thoughts of suicide, according to the state government. 

The Plan aims to reduce death by suicide and the distress that may contribute to suicide, as well as improving community understanding, compassion and responsiveness to prevent suicide.

It establishes a framework to deliver a more coordinated and targeted suicide prevention response across all levels of government and community.

The Plan has been developed under the nation’s first-ever suicide prevention legislation – which took effect last September.

It follows the appointment of a Suicide Prevention Council last September, chaired by the Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention, Nadia Clancy MP.

The Council includes a diverse mix of those with lived experience of suicide, clinicians, researchers, regional and community groups, as well as Indigenous, multicultural, veteran, first responder and LGBTIQ+ representatives.

Another key focus of the Plan is preventing suicide in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with Indigenous South Australians almost twice as likely to die by suicide.

Specialised suicide prevention training will be rolled out from next year to increase the number of South Australians who have essential practical knowledge and confidence to act in ways that support others.

Nadia Clancy says suicide prevention requires an all of government and community response.

“We have harnessed the wisdom and insights from people with lived experience of suicide and suicide distress in order to develop this Plan. 

“Every suicide represents a profound and enduring loss for families, friends and communities. 

“Through the implementation of this Plan over the next four years, we can work together and take action to reduce suicide and suicide-related distress in South Australia.”

Wellbeing SA Mental Health and Wellbeing Executive Director Nicole Keller the Plan recognises that suicide prevention is a shared responsibility requiring a multi-strategy, multi-sectoral and community approach.

“In addition, it recognises that strategies to reduce distress, build wellbeing and restore hope for every life are key to prevention.

“Suicide prevention involves taking action to build wellbeing and address all of life’s difficulties, strengthening the protective factors already in individuals and communities, building community awareness and capacity, and changing the way we think and act.“

The South Australian Suicide Prevention Plan 2023-2026 can be accessed online.

Anyone seeking 24/7 support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.