Suicide Prevention
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face significant challenges every day due to the long-term impacts of colonisation, racism, and intergenerational trauma.
Despite showing resilience, the suicide rate of First Nations people is much higher than other Australians and has been increasing over the past few decades.
AMSANT’s suicide prevention projects provide a safe space to share knowledge and learn about culturally safe and Aboriginal-led ways to build suicide awareness and create more resilient, suicide-safe communities.
Each suicide prevention project uses a strengths-based and holistic approach grounded in the practice and knowledge of social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB).
Suicide Prevention Projects
There are a range of suicide prevention projects at AMSANT.
Suicide Story
Suicide Story is an Aboriginal-designed and delivered program delivered through a workshop that aims to equip Aboriginal communities to:
- Bring greater awareness to the signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
- Build on existing knowledge and awareness that participants have about suicide.
- Define suicide in local and cultural terms and reduce the impact of stigma.
- Strengthen understanding of grief, trauma, and the needs of people who may be contemplating suicide.
- Build confidence to act and intervene as required through empowerment, self-awareness, and strength.
The workshop incorporates ‘both-ways’ learning and includes storytelling, group work, short films, and animation.
A Suicide Story Aboriginal Advisory Group (SSAAG) was established in 2011 to provide advice and guidance on Suicide Story cultural practices, community needs and protocols, and to ensure cultural integrity.
Click here to read more about Suicide Story, it’s evidence base and impacts
Culture Care Connect
Culture Care Connect is a First Nations-led suicide prevention program funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care through the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).
The program funds three key streams:
- Regional community-controlled suicide prevention networks.
- Culturally safe aftercare services for Aboriginal people following a suicide attempt or suicidal crisis.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid Training (ATSIMHFAT).
The Culture Care Connect project is implemented in the Northern Territory by Danila Dilba, Congress, Miwatj, and Wurli with the support and coordination of a dedicated AMSANT SEWB team member.
Postvention Member Support
Postvention provides support and care to people who are grieving after someone dies by suicide, including family, friends, and community members, as well as through school or the workplace.
The Postvention Member Support project is a collaboration between AMSANT and StandBy NT to help member services coordinate culturally safe support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by suicide in the Northern Territory.
The StandBy Support After Suicide model is being adapted to meet the needs of AMSANT’s member services, along with training, workshops, and resource development, and is led by a dedicated team member from the AMSANT SEWB team, the Postvention Member Support Coordinator.
Northern Australia community-controlled suicide prevention capacity building
The Northern Australia community-controlled suicide prevention training and capacity building project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care through NACCHO.
The project is a collaboration between AMSANT and Aboriginal community-controlled partners from Western Australia and Queensland.
The project has four main objectives:
- Develop and deliver high-quality, culturally appropriate, and evidence-based suicide prevention training.
- Improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and suicide prevention outcomes.
- Provide early intervention measures that contribute to improved social and emotional wellbeing outcomes.
- Increase and build the capability and capacity of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention and SEWB workforce.
This project team works to align their work with the rollout of the Culture Care Connect program. AMSANT’s SEWB team has a dedicated Northern Australia Suicide Prevention Coordinator to lead this project.