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Telephone: 0418 932
798 ABN 26 201 855 9000 |
The Val Lishman Health Research Foundation Inc
is pleased to be involved with research focusing on
SUICIDE PREVENTION
in the South West
Together we promote better health for the South West
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Why is this research needed?
In Australia, suicide is a major public health issue, with 1.6 percent of all deaths registered in 2004 attributed to suicide. Suicide is the most common form of death in men aged less than 35 years. Suicide rates in Australia are higher in rural and regional areas in comparison to metropolitan , especially among the younger age group (15-24 years). A key factor contributing risk for suicide in rural and regional populations relates to difficulties in providing mental health services in sparsely populated areas. The shortage of mental health care provision highlights the need for rural and regional communities to take ownership of building community resilience (protective factors) to reduce the number of suicides in young adults.
The steadily increasing rate of suicide in rural communities indicates a need for rigorous research to develop intervention that works in our rural population. Before acting, it is essential to understand the possible increase in help-seekers this might mean and understand current capacity and whether it can adjust to meet their needs.
Who will conduct this research?
The research project is a collaborative partnership between the Val Lishman Health Research Foundation Inc and Edith Cowan University. Professor Brian English, Chair of Regional Professional Services, Edith Cowan University is the Lead investigator.
Professor English has established a Project Advisory Committee to assist with specialised knowledge of suicide prevention in the South West.
Scope and implications of this research.
In broad terms the research includes:
- Assess the risk profile of 12 sectors of the SW to better understand different demand profiles Completed
- Make an inventory of all SW psycho-social support services, including smaller groups as well as bigger services Completed
- Assess the service capacity in the SW against the Federal LiFE framework recommendations. This is the major research content. Data collection is advanced and project completion is expected by the end of June 2010. "