345. Hon ALISON XAMON to the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Mental Health:
I refer to the emerging awareness of the incidence and impact of older adult suicide in our community since the state suicide strategy, “Suicide Prevention 2020”, was released. What is the Mental Health Commission doing to reduce the suicide risk in this population?
Hon ALANNA CLOHESY replied:
I will try to make this as quick as possible; it is quite extensive. I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.
The statewide suicide prevention strategy, “Suicide Prevention 2020: Together we can save lives” recommends an evidence-based approach to suicide prevention across the lifespan, including older adults, identifying key activities under six action areas. The Mental Health Commission has procured government and non-government organisations to provide services that are in line with an evidenced-based approach and address the activities outlined in “Suicide Prevention 2020”. Services include, but are not limited to, 10 suicide prevention coordinators across Western Australian who work with relevant service providers at a regional and local level to support the development and implementation of programs that increase local community and service provider capacity to identify and respond to suicidal ideation, reduce stigmatising behaviour towards mental health, and support services and community in postvention responses.
The MHC has recently launched the Think Mental Health campaign, which will contribute to prioritising mental health and wellbeing; destigmatising mental health issues; assisting the Western Australian community to navigate the range of mental health activities and services available; and building resilience and improving the overall mental health and wellbeing of the Western Australian community, including adults.
360 Health + Community will deliver the Active Life Enhancing Intervention program to target people who have attempted suicide. The Regional Men’s Health Initiative will deliver the mental health and wellbeing education for men in regional and remote farming communities. MATES In Construction WA Ltd will deliver the MATES standby response coordinator to target men of all ages. Through the Suicide Prevention Grants Program, the MHC recently awarded funding of $188 868.64 to 13 organisations to deliver suicide prevention training initiatives in communities.
The MHC has engaged with Mental Health First Aid Australia regarding the recent launch of a 12-hour older person mental health first aid course. Mental Health First Aid Australia will present to the suicide prevention coordinators about the new program on 17 May 2018.