- Wednesday 10th September is World Suicide Prevention Day.
- In 2023, there were 3,214 deaths by suicide in Australia – an average of 9 per day.
Available for interview Tuesday 9th/Wednesday 10th September (Sydney/Phone/Zoom)
- Professor Steve Moylan - Psychiatrist, Lifeline Australia Chair.
- Dr Anna Brooks - Psychologist - Lifeline Australia Chief Research Officer.
This World Suicide Prevention Day, Lifeline Australia is shining a light on the vital role individuals and communities can play in reducing stigma and encouraging people to reach out for help – even if they don’t think they are in ‘crisis’.
Lifeline Australia Chair, Professor Steve Moylan, said that open conversations break down barriers to getting support, raise awareness, and help create suicide-safe communities.
"Lifeline acknowledges those who died by suicide, those with lived and living experience of suicidality, and recognises the deep impact on families, carers, colleagues and communities," said Professor Moylan.
“Fear of discrimination or judgement often keeps those struggling in silence and isolation. By bringing these hidden struggles out of the shadows, communities build connection, trust and resilience - and in turn, this creates a safety net for everyone.”
Lifeline Australia Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, highlighted the profound role of lived experience in designing and providing services to support those in need.
“Australia shows exceptional leadership on suicide prevention. The task ahead is to continue to dispel the stigma and achieve change by putting the voices of those with lived experience at the forefront of all our conversations.”
“As your Governor-General, I’ve committed to making care, kindness, and respect the focus of my term in office. I want to thank everyone working in the context of suicide prevention, especially those with lived experience, for your deep, deep care and your compassion for your fellow Australians … we are so grateful for everything you do.”
NSW Minister for Mental Health The Hon. Rose Jackson MLC said that harnessing community power is a powerful tool which can drive real cultural change.
“Every suicide is a tragedy. Behind each statistic is a person, a family and a community in grief. That is why the NSW Government has delivered world leading suicide prevention legislation that makes suicide prevention a responsibility across every arm of government,” said Ms Jackson.
“Legislation on its own is not enough. Real change comes when we combine that work with the power of community. Conversations matter. When we break down stigma and encourage people to speak openly, we help create a culture where people feel safe to seek support long before they are in crisis.”
“By backing world leading legislation with important funding for services like Lifeline, local initiatives and targeted programs we can break the stigma and silence,” she added.
Professor Moylan said Lifeline works across the continuum of suicide prevention, ensuring every Australian has timely access to a compassionate and empathetic support.
“Although reaching out can feel overwhelming, Lifeline’s trained Crisis Supporters are available to listen without judgement and provide support whenever it is needed.”
“Often, Lifeline’s helpline and digital services provide that crucial early support that prevents further escalation of suicidal thoughts and behaviours,” Professor Moylan added.
Each World Suicide Prevention Day, thousands of Australians take part in Out of the Shadows Walks across the nation to honour people who died by suicide while demonstrating support for people still facing emotional distress. Out of the Shadows Walks are designed to promote connectedness and empower people to seek help, while raising funds to support Lifeline’s 24/7 crisis support services.
If you, or someone you know are feeling overwhelmed, we encourage you to connect with Lifeline in the way you feel most comfortable.
You can phone Lifeline to speak to a Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114, or chat online at www.lifeline.org.au (all services available 24/7).
For anyone who isn’t ready to talk to someone else, or would simply prefer to manage things themself first, Lifeline’s Support Toolkit provides practical information in plain language, as well as the best curated tools, apps, techniques and services to help individuals take the next step in their wellbeing journey.
To donate to Lifeline, visit www.lifeline.org.au/donate.
About us:
For over 60 years, Lifeline has been connecting with Australians, offering free and confidential one-to-one crisis support for people who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. Trained Crisis Supporters listen without judgement 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As well as operating the 13 11 14 telephone line within 43 Centres around the nation, the organisation also delivers 24/7 crisis text, webchat and a Support Toolkit. Lifeline expects to respond to over 1.4 million requests for support this year, creating an average of 120 safety plans a day to keep a person experiencing suicidal ideation safe.
Contact details:
[email protected] | 0408 407 376 (calls, no texts)
