Mapping suicide prevention activities in Queensland: What? Where? and How?

Abstract

Nearly two thousand Australians take their own lives every year. Suicide impacts individuals, the community and society on a broad level. While there are various suicide prevention activities, information about their availability and effectiveness is limited. The aim of this presentation is to provide comprehensive information about suicide prevention programs/services, currently operating in Queensland. Method: Organisations, relevant to mental health, were asked to participate by completing an on-line survey, which collected data on their suicide preventive program/service. Relevant variables include the aims/objectives of identified programs/services, the type of intervention, target populations and locations, and issues related to the evaluation. Outcomes: A summary of this information will later be published on a web-based register of current suicide prevention programs/services in Queensland (with links to relevant websites). This will facilitate better access to information for communities as well as mental health organisations when developing new content related to suicide prevention. This presentation will contribute to increased practical and applied knowledge to a theoretical field through the identification of how national suicide prevention guidelines, policies and plans of action are implemented at the community level, and the extent to which they respond to client and local need.