Melton and Brimbank Place-Based Suicide Prevention Trials

Completed
Duration:

1 July 2017 – 30 June 2021

Funding Amount:

$1,873,115

Locations

Melton

Brimbank

Melbourne Macedon Ranges Yarra Moonee Valley Darebin Maribyrnong Hobsons Bay Wyndham Brimbank Moorabool Melton Hume Merri-bek

Overview

Starting in 2016, the Victorian Government partnered with all 6 Victorian primary health networks to work with local communities to develop and implement coordinated place-based approaches to suicide prevention.

The place-based model was designed to work with local skills, expertise, and resources to deliver a range of evidence-based suicide prevention activities specifically suited to local community needs.

This trial focused on 2 local government areas, Melton and Brimbank. Both communities feature large numbers of residents born in predominantly on-English-speaking countries, significant rates of unemployment and high proportions of people living with profound or severe disability.

The Melton and Brimbank trial was supported by a governance group comprising community members, including some with lived experience of suicidality, joined by representatives from local health organisations, local government, and state-wide partners.

It used the LifeSpan model, developed by Sydney’s Black Dog Institute, to build on local knowledge and expertise and develop a tailored suicide prevention response. This included activities to build workforce capability, reduce stigma and increase access to services.

Activities undertaken as part of the trial include

Outcomes

The trial:

  • expanded the evidence base in relation to the risk and protective factors related to suicide
  • raised community awareness and understanding of suicide
  • improved knowledge of how to work together at a local level to design and develop coordinated responses.

 Visit the Victorian Government website for more information on lessons and achievements from Victoria’s place-based suicide prevention trials.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKXEVl4k8E8
Take a look inside the place-based suicide prevention trial in Melton and Brimbank.