PHN has engaged Adele Kenneally and Ailiche Goddard-Clegg from ASK Consulting to work with suicide prevention professionals in the Great South Coast region.

PHN Western Victoria CEO Dr Leanne Beagley said a particular focus will be on the Corangamite area.

“The project will work with individuals, local communities, health agencies, local governments, emergency services, schools and media outlets to investigate and implement ways to reduce the rate of suicide in the Warrnambool, Moyne, Corangamite, Southern Grampians and Glenelg areas,” Dr Beagley said.

“Consultations commenced in February and will continue until June 2018.

“Western Victoria PHN is working in collaboration with local initiatives Fight for your Life and Portland Suicide Prevention.”

Dr Leanne Beagley said Ms Kenneally and Ms Goddard-Clegg will conduct mapping and analysis work to capture and articulate the current state, highlighting strengths, gaps and opportunities.

She said the work will be evidence-based and will leverage off the existing system and will not duplicate existing services.

“As thoughts of suicide and associated behavior are complex, co-designing an approach to prevent suicide with those with a lived experience is top of the agenda,” Dr Beagley said.

“Preventative approaches will take into account existing mental health needs assessments.

“It will also look at recently completed by Western Victoria PHN and suicide data sources in the five local government areas.

“It is anticipated the work will also assist in improving timely access to services for those at risk.

“It will also increase knowledge and confidence of primary care providers in identifying and responding to those at risk of suicide.”

The project is jointly funded by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and the Australian Government under the Western Victoria PHN program.

Dr Beagley said the place-based approach in the Great South Coast is committed to halving the rate of suicide in the region by 2023.

She said it is part of the state government’s 10-year mental health plan which was announced in November 2015.

Statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare lists suicide as the leading cause of death for people aged between 15-44.  

Land transport accidents and accidental poisoning round out the top three for causes of death for this age group nation-wide.