Key Facts:
- Roses in the Ocean has published a paper highlighting the critical role of community-based, peer-led, and non-clinical supports in suicide prevention, arguing these approaches must be recognised as core infrastructure within Australia's suicide prevention system.
- People with lived experience of suicide have consistently identified the need for greater choice, flexibility, and accessibility in support, with many preferring relationship-based, community-grounded options over traditional clinical pathways.
- The Australian Suicide Prevention Planning Model estimates annual demand for approximately 4.41 million hours of community-based Safe Space support - around 12,700 hours per day - highlighting a significant gap between community need and current investment.
- Evidence shows that community-based, non-clinical supports are reaching people who would not otherwise seek help, with evaluations finding many Safe Space guests would not have accessed any support had it not been available.
- Roses in the Ocean is calling on governments and service systems to expand investment in non-clinical supports, embed these across the suicide prevention continuum, and ensure people with lived experience of suicide are central to the design, governance, and evaluation of services.
The organisation has released a new paper highlighting the critical role of community-based, peer-led and emotional and social supports in preventing suicide, supporting healing and strengthening Australia's suicide prevention system.
"This paper is built on the expertise of people who have directly experienced suicide and hold deep wisdom," said Sally Morris, Roses in the Ocean author. "They know that suicide needs to be supported beyond a clinical framework, and what needs to happen at policy, societal and community levels to prevent experiences of suicide for future generations."
People with a lived experience of suicide have consistently identified the need for greater choice, flexibility and accessibility in how support is offered. While clinical services remain an important part of the system, for example seeing a GP or psychologist, many people experiencing distress seek support that is based on building a relationship, community-based and grounded in shared understanding.
Roses in the Ocean Chief Executive Officer Bronwen Edwards said Australia has made significant progress in recognising the importance of lived experience leadership and community-based responses, but investment has not kept pace with community need.
"People experiencing suicidal distress should not have to reach crisis point before support is available. We need a broader range of supports and genuine options that meet people where they are, in their communities and in ways that feel safe, accessible and responsive to their needs."
The scale of unmet demand for non-clinical support is significant. The Australian Suicide Prevention Planning Model (AuSPPM), developed by the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research with funding from the Australian Government, estimates there is annual demand for approximately 4.41 million hours of community-based Safe Space support, such as Community-led Safe Space support for adults experiencing suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or significant distress. This equates to around 12,700 hours of support required every day across Australia.
Evidence also shows that community-based, non-clinical supports are reaching people who are not accessing other parts of the health system. Evaluations of Safe Spaces have found that many guests reported they would not have sought support at all if a Safe Space had not been available. Only a small proportion indicated they would have otherwise presented to an emergency department. These findings highlight the critical role non-clinical supports play in engaging people who may not seek help through traditional clinical pathways.
The paper highlights the growing evidence base supporting non-clinical approaches, including:
- Community-led Safe Spaces
- Lived experience peer support
- Warmlines (suicide specific call-back services) and outreach models
- Aftercare (support after having lost a loved one to suicide) and social and emotional supports
- Community connection and social inclusion initiatives
- Location-based and culturally responsive approaches
These supports complement clinical services while providing alternative pathways for people who may not engage with traditional healthcare settings.
Roses in the Ocean notes that people with lived experience of suicide have repeatedly identified the value of supports that foster connection, hope, dignity and self-determination. Many describe peer-led and community-based supports as an essential part of their recovery journey and a critical bridge between crisis and wellbeing.
The organisation is calling on governments, commissioners and service systems to:
- Recognise non-clinical supports as core suicide prevention infrastructure.
- Expand investment in Community-led Safe Spaces and other evidence-informed non-clinical supports.
- Embed non-clinical supports across the suicide prevention continuum.
- Expand access to peer-led and community-based services nationally.
- Strengthen commissioning and funding models to support long-term sustainability.
- Ensure people with lived experience of suicide are central to the design, governance and evaluation of services.
"Suicide prevention does not happen solely in hospitals, clinics or crisis services. It happens in communities, through connection, relationships, timely support and opportunities for people to be heard, understood and supported by others who genuinely understand," Ms Edwards said.
"The evidence is clear that non-clinical supports fill an important gap in Australia's suicide prevention system. They provide support earlier, reach people who may not engage with clinical services, and create pathways to addressing the underlying causes of distress, connection and a life people choose to live."
The paper contributes to growing national discussions about how Australia can build a more comprehensive, person-centred and community-connected suicide prevention system.
About us:
Roses in the Ocean is Australia's national lived experience of suicide prevention organisation. Roses in the Ocean is leading the development of innovative non-clinical, peer-led suicide prevention services, including Community-led Safe Spaces and Peer CARE Companion programs, ensuring people with lived experience of suicide can access compassionate, choice-driven support from peers who understand their journey.
Support services: Peer CARE Companion Warmline 1800 77 7337; Lifeline 13 11 14; Suicide Call Back service 1300 224 636.
