South Sudanese Australian women suicide prevention initiative

Completed
Duration:

15 November 2019 - 30 June 2020

Funding Amount:

This activity was part of the Melton and Brimbank Place-Based Suicide Prevention Trials

Locations

Melton

Brimbank

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

Overview

North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) formed the South Sudanese Australian Women Suicide Prevention Initiative to better understand the experiences of the South Sudanese community, which is at heightened risk of suicide. This project was delivered as part of the Melton and Brimbank place-based suicide prevention trial.  

This initiative sought to tailor suicide prevention activities and develop accessible mental health and wellbeing services by identifying the specific needs of the South Sudanese community through the voice of women.  

Because many first generation South Sudanese women came to Australia as refugees, there are challenges with suicide and mental health literacy. Additional traditional and cultural values make including the voices of their community, in particular the voices of mothers, critical.  

The 2-part project engaged directly with South Sudanese women to co-design and test the feasibility of the consultation approach with the community, as well as including consultation and reporting.    

The purpose of this trial was:   

  • for South Sudanese women to inform NWMPHN of their concerns about youth suicide in their community and make clear what type of support they needed  
  • for South Sudanese women to inform and guide NWMPHN’s understanding of how to help build suicide prevention capacity in their community.   

This activity was part of the Melton and Brimbank Place-Based Suicide Prevention Trials.