The Territory Labor Government has today released the second Suicide Prevention Report Card, coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day and R U OK? day.
The Report Card provides a snapshot of the key achievements of the NT Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework Implementation Plan 2018-2023.
The Framework outlines plans for reducing the burden of loss and grief, and supporting everyone in our community to live with meaning and purpose.
Top Achievements within the Report Card include:
Community Action Planning (CAP): Establishment of community-planning groups and suicide prevention networks in each region to support the development and monitoring of suicide prevention actions, including the development of 14 dedicated Suicide Prevention Networks, which are currently operating across the NT.
Community Suicide Prevention Grants: Community groups and non-government organisations have been awarded grants of up to $10,000 to assist in raising awareness about suicide and suicide prevention, focussing on community building and support for vulnerable groups. 41 Suicide Prevention Grants worth a total of $299 693 have been awarded to locally-led activities across the Northern Territory in 2020, representing the third round of grants. To date, NT community groups and non-government organisations have been awarded $700,000 worth of community suicide prevention grants for 92 distinct projects.
Funded Training for Staff and Community Members Working with Priority Groups: Targeted training for community members and health and social care staff in supporting vulnerable people to expand the capacity of the community to respond wherever the need is. In the past 12 months nearly 1,400 Territorians have received various training.
The full report card can be found at: https://health.nt.gov.au/strategies-and-reviews/suicide-prevention-strategy-review
As stated by Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:
"We've seen the impacts of COVID-19 spread far and wide outside of the virus itself and the economic impacts.
"Poor mental health in Territorians is another impact of COVID-19; it's been a difficult time for many in what are unprecedented times.
"Our Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework Implementation plan has never been more important than what it is in this COVID-era, and this second year report card highlighting what has been achieved recognises what a priority mental health is for our government.
"Additionally, we've secured $50 million from the Federal Government to build and expand existing infrastructure for mental health in the Top End with consultation commencing imminently."
