Member for Ku-ring-gai, Alister Henskens SC MP, has today encouraged the community to get involved in the development of the Strategic Framework for Suicide Prevention in NSW.

“The solution to suicide does not lie just with individuals but with whole communities,” Mr Henskens said.

“In Ku-ring-gai, together we can build an aware, connected, and strong community, where no-one feels isolated and everyone is suitably informed about how to find help or to offer support if and when it is required.

“That’s why we are asking those who live and work in Ku-ring-gai to help us understand what is or isn’t working to prevent suicide in our area.”

Minister for Mental Health, Tanya Davies, explained the Strategic Framework for Suicide Prevention in NSW project is being led by NSW Health and the Mental Health Commission of NSW and will set out fundamental principles for suicide prevention across the state. 

“We need to empower every community to co-ordinate the essential elements of suicide prevention in a way that suits their own local needs,” Mrs Davies said.

“To guide the project, the Mental Health Commission of NSW has developed a comprehensive survey for members of the community to complete. We encourage every person who has been affected by the tragedy of suicide to provide the Commission with their feedback.”

“No parent, friend, family member or community should have to go through the grief of losing a loved one to suicide, and the NSW Government is committed to optimising and coordinating care and interventions so support reaches those who need it.”

Advice is also being sought from more than 35 organisations including Lifeline, NSW Ambulance, NSW Police, Black Dog Institute, Beyondblue, NSW Farmers Association, Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council, ACON, Primary Health Networks and the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health.

The survey, developed by the Commission in consultation with NGOs and community organisations can be found at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/communitysuicideprev.

If you or someone you know needs crisis support, please call Lifeline 13 11 14, MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78, or Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800. For mental health services in Ku-ring-gai, phone the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.