The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has released a National Suicide and Self-harm Monitoring System website, which has been funded by the Department of Health and will include sections specifically for the information of service providers and insights around mental health risk to members of the public.
Lifeline Australia Chief Executive Officer, Colin Seery welcomes the launch saying that the system “will greatly improve the way suicide prevention services can respond to suicide risk”.
“It will provide us with greater insight into where both the immediate and heightened risk is occurring, enabling us to put in place preventative measures that will mitigate the risk of harm as soon as it is identified,” says Mr Seery.
“This system will give us the opportunity to identify trends, emerging areas of concern and priority groups, which, in turn, will facilitate better co-ordination of intervention and supports across agencies.
“This will help us respond in real time with evidence-based solutions to immediate concerns.
“It is a hopeful step, especially for communities who are grappling with rising loss of life. Quite simply, access to this information will help us save lives.”
Lifeline is Australia’s leading suicide prevention service, operating the 13 11 14 telephone line within 40 centres around the nation.
The service expects to respond to well over one million requests for support by phone, online chat or text this year and will create an average of 120 safety plans to keep a person experiencing suicidal ideation safe every day.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues, please reach out to Lifeline or your healthcare professional.
For more on the new website, visit: aihw.gov.au/suicide-self-harm-monitoring
