Community forum findings

The community forums were the second stage of the methodology, with six forums conducted across the Country North in major regional centres. An estimated 500 people were engaged and provided their feedback on the current state of suicide prevention in their region, key needs/gaps and future actions/plans to reduce suicidality.

In addition to community and service providers, local mayors were engaged to form partnerships and strengthen the community focus. Local Mayor John Rohde had the following to say:

“Suicide in our community is not someone else’s problem. When someone takes their life it not only affects direct family members but a wider circle of people and the community as a whole. As a community leader it is important to recognise that we have a role to play, to work with agencies and other groups collaboratively.”

PORT PIRIE MAYOR JOHN ROHDE

Each forum highlighted ideas and issues unique to that specific region and key themes were deliberated. For Port Pirie, the key themes from the community forum were:

• Training opportunities for suicide prevention across all sectors • Referral pathways and early intervention • Follow up care following a suicide attempt • Data collection and information sharing between services

Workforce capacity and upskilling

A strong emphasis was placed on the need for further mental health and suicide prevention training, targeting front line workers and GPs around available referral pathways. Additionally, youth education and youth specific interventions in conjunction with community upskilling and training were suggested. Upskilling of school staff and training for youth in schools were additional areas of perceived need. Suggestions around this issue included working collaboratively with school networks and community gatekeepers to promote help-seeking behaviours and equip youth with skills in suicide prevention such as talking about suicide and recognising the warning signs. Referral pathways and early intervention

The community perceived a need to improve collaboration between services in order to streamline referrals, reduce waiting times and build awareness around access. This need was particularly directed at first responders to suicidal crises as well as community members.

The development of a referral map highlighting existing services was a suggestion of how this could be achieved. In conjunction with consistent and transparent referral pathways, the development of local multidisciplinary networks and professional development was strongly supported.

Follow up care following a suicide attempt

Information and support following a suicide attempt was raised repeatedly throughout the forum. Ideas and suggestions to meet the current shortcomings in the community regarding follow up and support included the development of a suicide prevention network and accessible information packs. These packages would outline services and support including, cards, flyers, brochures, signs, pages or apps that communicate service options.

Data collection and information sharing between services

Information sharing was perceived to be an area of concern with suggestions of creating a structured sharing platform. Overall, the need for more accessible information and education regarding who to contact for an individual in crisis was repeatedly raised throughout the session. Youth and individuals with disabilities were deemed to be the client groups with least access and a consensus to build resilience among these groups was strongly encouraged.