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The suicide of person is a devastating event that has a lasting impact on other people connected with the person concerned. About 40 suicides occur every week in Australia. Nearly all are preventable if the necessary intervention occurs. We would like to let readers know of some of the government and community initiatives that are working to reduce the rate of suicide and to support people who are bereaved by the suicide of a person close to them.

Government & peak bodies

The Australian Government has developed the (NSPS), emphasising promotion, prevention and early intervention for mental health. is a website providing resources and research findings as well a comprehensive list of crisis services for people who need urgent help – eg , , , and .

(SPA) is the non-profit  peak body that brings together practitioners, researchers, and the community affected by suicide and self harm. It provides policy advice to governments, community awareness and public education, and research.

Support services

• telephone counsellors provide 24 hour support on 13 11 14.
• provides 24 hour support for young people aged 5-25 years. Counselling is offered by phone, email and over the web. The website has a comprehensive page of information called
• provides including videos, fact sheets and stories.
• - provides crisis counselling to people at risk of suicide, people caring for someone who is suicidal and those bereaved by suicide, 24 hours per day 7 days a week across Australia. Counselling from professional counsellors with specialist skills in working with suicide-related issues is also available.

South Australia

In South Australia the following groups and programs are dedicated to helping people affected by suicide:

• offers assistance and support to people who are grieving through individual or family counselling; information and resources; referrals and support groups
• provides help after a suicide has occurred on 1300 76 11 93 from 10am–10pm any day. Trained family support volunteers are on call.
• - telephone support on 08 8332 8240 and support group meetings, support@bts.org.au
• - provides services to young people who are exhibiting depressive, suicidal or self-harming behaviours.
• (Minimisation of Suicide Harm) was founded by two women who lost their sons through suicide. Offers counselling, support groups, art therapy

Awareness events

The following annual awareness events focus attention on suicide prevention:

• is held every year on 10 September. It encourages people to save lives by taking time to learn about suicide, recognise the signs and help to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.
• are held on World Suicide Prevention Day – watch out for this year’s program and check out the links to .
• , 13 September 2012, is a national day of action on suicide prevention that asks people to say to someone they care about: ‘Are you OK?'
• –held by White Wreath Association on 29 May each year to raise awareness and provide support to families and friends of suicide victims.