NCJ Number
139028
Date Published
1992
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The Macarthur Suicide Prevention Task Force in New South Wales (Australia) was formed in November 1987 by a group of health and welfare workers who believed that an effective program had to begin at the grassroots community level to make people aware of the issues of suicide, to prevent suicide, and to work with survivors of suicide.
Abstract
The major objectives of the founding association were to decrease the incidence of suicide and attempted suicide, raise awareness and educate the general public and local professionals, provide training and a consultative service, promote and encourage suicide prevention, collect statistical data, acquire appropriate resources about suicide and related issues, encourage networking between local agencies, encourage cooperation between government and private sector organizations, and assist in the formation of suicide prevention groups in other areas. The Task Force's first major activity was to publish three brochures, one targeting adolescents, one parents, and one the general public. The Suicide Prevention Worker hired by the Task Force had three primary functions: to coordinate and assist in the training program, to network with other agencies, and to work with a number of groups for young people and their families. The one-day training seminar offered by the Task Force to health, welfare, and legal professionals introduced concepts related to suicide, examined myths surrounding suicide, and considered risk factors and warning signs to identify potential suicides. The Task Force has also been called upon to provide information to the media about suicide. 2 references