We are implementing a Suicide Prevention Strategy targeting the primary mental health care sector and in particular general practice.
Our GP-centric depression management program approach aims to help improve the care of people with depression and prevent suicidal behaviour.
We remain committed to using the European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD) 4-pillar framework, to inform our approach. The 4 pillars are designed to be implemented simultaneously, to achieve a greater effect rather than in isolation.
- Pillar 1: Primary care and mental health care
- Pillar 2: General awareness campaign
- Pillar 3: Community stakeholders
- Pillar 4: At-risk patients, their families and carers
Our approach targets the primary mental health care sector and in particular general practice, to support quality care.
GPs play an integral role in this approach because they are the health professionals accessed most often by those experiencing mental health issues and/or engaging in suicidal behaviour. GPs have reported that depression and anxiety are two of the most common health issues they manage and depression is highly correlated with suicidal behaviour.
If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call 000.
Training and resources:
- Clinical workshops for GPs in your area
- Online training for health professionals
- Practice Staff workshops in your area
- Resource pack for primary care
Important links:
- Suicide Prevention Strategy
- The National Suicide Prevention Leadership & Support Program Project Information for Primary Health Networks
- Targeted regional initiatives for suicide prevention
- European Alliance Against Depression website
Depression starts small
Whatever you’re feeling, you don’t have to deal with it alone. Help is just a call or a click away. In a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 13YARN 13 92 76. In an emergency, call 000 or visit an emergency department.
Suicide Prevention Strategy
At the core of our Suicide Prevention Strategy is the implementation of the EAAD systems-based approach, which is primarily a GP depression management program.
WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) has established a GP focus group and continues to consult on the most effective and efficient way in building the capacity of GPs to improve the diagnosis and treatment of people with mild to moderate depression. WAPHA has collaborated with Telethon Kids Institute to obtain information specific to GP needs through the WA Aftercare Survey.
WAPHA has used the feedback to commission activities that are appropriate to the needs and wants of GPs.
We are now in the process of reaching as GPs as possible across WA implementing these activities, with focus locations receiving additional targeted activities.
The aim of pillar 2 activities is to reduce personal and public stigma of depression and enhance help seeking behaviour of the consumer.
WAPHA is currently investigating mediums for a general awareness campaign, using the 4 key messages of EAAD as its guiding principles. These key messages are:
- Depression has many faces (symptoms),
- Depression is a real disorder,
- Depression can be treated, and
- Depression can affect anyone.
WAPHA will use these guiding principles to build upon the Inside My Mind general awareness campaign, that was released during the National Suicide Prevention Trials.
WAPHA will endeavour to communicate these key messages through the campaign to vulnerable populations using appropriate and relatable language for each group and at-risk population.
The aim of pillar 3 activities is to provide key community stakeholders with knowledge and basic intervention skills for supporting someone with depression and suicidal behaviour. In addition, this pillar aims to improve knowledge of the local referral pathways and local health system, to direct people to support and treatment.
WAPHA has committed to working with other state and commonwealth funded suicide prevention coordinators to enable their existing community capacity building plans. This will be done through commissioning activities included in these plans or identified gaps in activity that align to pillar 3. These coordinators are (but not limited to):
- Suicide prevention coordinators (MHC funded)
- Community liaison officers (MHC funded)
- Culture Care Connect coordinators (Commonwealth funded)
- StandBy coordinators (Commonwealth funded)
The aim of pillar 4 activities is to support at-risk consumers, families and carers.
As of January 2023, the WA Government committed to jointly fund universal aftercare services to support individuals following a suicide attempt and/or suicidal crisis. Arrangements under the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement provide flexibility for WA to develop models of aftercare services to meet the needs of local communities.
A best practice aftercare model of service is currently being developed by the WA Mental Health Commission.
In WA, postvention services are provided by the StandBy program, that supports anyone who has been bereaved or impacted by suicide at any stage in their life. The StandBy program receives annual funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
Training
GP management of depression and suicidality courses developed by RCSWA General Practitioners, in collaboration with Dr Mat Coleman (Psychiatrist). This training program is designed to enhance the skills of GP’s in treating depression and suicidality.
The program is made up of two modalities:
Part 1: Online Module – (approx. 90mins to complete all modules)
- Recognition and Assessment of Depression
- Interventions
- Suicidality, suicide risk assessment and prevention
- Groups requiring special consideration
- GP Wellbeing and supports
- Practice Resources, Clinical Practice Guidelines & local resources
Part 2: Face-to-Face Workshop – (approx. 90 mins with a light meal included)
Collaborative conversations, including sharing of clinical experiences, complex scenario analyses, debriefing and learning from adverse outcomes. Facilitated by a GP and supported by a local psychiatrist.
Both online module and workshop are CPD accredited.
Location and dates for each workshop will be displayed when you choose your preference within the registration form. Please note, if you are a rural GP and unable to attend your local workshop, you are welcome to register for a metro workshop.
- Albany – Thursday 31 October
- Bridgetown – Tuesday 12 November
- Broome – Tuesday 22 October
- Bunbury – Wednesday 30 October
- Busselton – Tuesday 29 October
- Collie – Wednesday 13 November
- Derby – Tuesday 15 October
- Esperance – Thursday 17 October
- Geraldton – Wednesday 9 October
- Goldfields – Tuesday 15 October
- Katanning – Tuesday 22 October
- Karratha – Wednesday 16 October
- Kununurra – Tuesday 29 October
- Margaret River – Monday 11 November
- Merredin – Tuesday 15 October
- Narrogin – Monday 14 October
- Newman – Friday 18 October
- Northam – Monday 14 October
- South Hedland – Thursday 17 October
Depression management and suicidality education courses delivered by the Black Dog Institute and supported by WA Primary Health Alliance under the Australian Government’s Primary Health Networks Program.
Register for Talking About Suicide in General Practice, an online workshop that will help increase skills and confidence for GPs in recognising presentations where suicide risk is high, undertaking a detailed risk assessment, and management planning using a collaborative, team-based approach.
Register for the online sessions:
Dealing with Depression is a highly interactive program that aims to provide general practitioners with a practical framework for diagnosing and managing depression. The program uses case based learning to explore key challenges GPs experience when caring for patients with depression.
Register for the online sessions:
Depression is a common condition frequently managed in primary care. Identifying and managing depression in a rural context presents a unique set of challenges for health professionals providing mental health care in their communities. Dealing with Depression in Rural Australia is developed specifically to address the needs of clinicians delivering health care for people presenting with depression in a rural setting.
Register for the online sessions:
This workshop aims to increase health professionals’ skill and confidence in taking a detailed suicide history and developing a collaborative management plan to increase the safety of people planning suicide and reduce the risk of suicide. The workshop provides practical tools for health professionals managing the full spectrum of suicide risk presentations including the acute suicidal crisis, care after a suicide attempt and assisting families experiencing suicide bereavement.
Register for the online sessions:
Suicide has a devastating impact on families, friends and entire communities. Pharmacists, due to their role and their accessibility in the community, have the potential to play a key role in recognising the signs and symptoms of suicide, restricting means and keeping the person safe until support is available. This Suicide Prevention Training for Pharmacists is an interactive, cased based workshop enabling peer discussion alongside the development of practical skills to implement.
Register for the online sessions:
Suicide Prevention Training General Practice Staff Workshops delivered by Wesley LifeForce and supported by WA Primary Health Alliance under the Australian Government’s Primary Health Networks Program.
With a 20-year history of suicide prevention support to the Australian community, Wesley LifeForce offers training that is developed from evidence-based expertise in the Australian community and with input from Australian GP’s, general practice nurses and practice managers. These specialised programs are designed to equip you with leading methodologies and strategies in suicide prevention.
Based on the success of the workshops in focus locations the WAPHA team are looking to expand the training. Watch this space for future updates
Resource Kit
Within this resource kit you will find a selection of accredited courses, activities and training for primary care providers and their teams.
It also provides access to courses for all community members to gain intervention skills to recognise, respond and refer someone with depression and prevent suicidal behaviour. These can be shared far and wide, with family, carers and friends, in a waiting room or with local service providers or networks.
This kit will be regularly updated with new activities. If you have any activity suggestions or would like further information, please contact your local WAPHA suicide prevention lead.
- Depression management and suicidality education courses
Delivered by the Black Dog Institute a variety of live webinar courses , CPD and GPMHC accredited. - Regional training – GP management of patient depression and Suicidality
Developed by RCSWA combining online modules and regional training coming to a place near you. - Local suicide prevention courses
There are WA Mental health Commission Suicide Prevention Coordinators across Western Australia – they provide a variety of funded accredited courses suitable for the region. These courses can include Mental Health First Aid , ASIST, Gatekeeper etc – free of charge. Find out who to contact in your region and what training, events and activities are going on.
- Suicide Prevention Training General Practice Staff Workshops
Delivered by Wesley LifeForce and supported by WA Primary Health Alliance under the Australian Government’s Primary Health Networks Program. New dates for workshops coming to a region near you. - Recognise and respond – 1-hour online training in Suicide prevention from the Black Dog institute.
In partnership with BDI WAPHA can provide fully funded access to this short Designed for the general population, workers or members of the public who are likely to encounter individuals at risk and may be influential in their decision to access care. Click here for more information and here to gain access to an enrolment key and sign up.
- Recognise and respond – 1-hour online training in Suicide prevention from the Black Dog institute.
In partnership with BDI WAPHA can provide fully funded access to this short Designed for the general population, workers or members of the public who are likely to encounter individuals at risk and may be influential in their decision to access care. Click here for more information and here to gain access to an enrolment key and sign up. - Local suicide prevention courses:
There are WA Mental health Commission Suicide Prevention Coordinators across Western Australia – they provide a variety of funded accredited courses suitable for the region. These courses can include Mental Health first Aid , ASIST, Gatekeeper etc free of charge. Find out who to contact in your region and what training, events and activities are going on!
- Practice Assist Fact sheet – Assisting patients in general practice with mental health concerns
Informative fact sheet to help general practice teams consider how their practice’s access to care, systems, policies, procedures, training and education can assist patients with mental health concerns. - Quick Access Phone numbers
Three essential helplines for GPs on a computer screen sized sticker, available at all events contact us if you would like some for your practice- GP Psychiatry Support line: 1800 16 17 18
- Head to Health: 1800 595 212
- DRS4DRS: 08 9321 3098
- Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool
used by clinicians, including GPs, to determine the most appropriate level of care for individuals seeking mental health support – For further details on this tool and training go to.
- Head to Health Assessment and Referral Phone Service – 1800 595 212
This state-wide phone service offers free confidential assessment and referral for anyone seeking help for their mental and emotional wellbeing and/or wanting to support a patient, or someone they care about.
- Head to Health Digital Platform – headtohealth.gov.au
The Head to Health website includes over 750 evidence based digital mental health resources, apps and online programs for the community to access. This includes dedicated online forums, peer support services, chat and email services.
- Clinician Assist
Delivered by WA Primary Health Alliance and in collaboration with WA Department of Health, this secure website provides GPs and other health professionals with guidance for assessing, managing and referring patients across Western Australia at no cost. - GP psychiatry line
National and Free – By calling 1800 16 17 18, GPs are connected directly with psychiatrists who can offer their expert advice regarding the mental health needs of your patients.
- Doctors Health Advisory Service (DHASWA)
The Doctors Health Advisory Service Western Australia (DHASWA) is an independent not for profit association that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of doctors and medical students in Western Australia. - Ten – The essential Network for Health Professionals – Black Dog Institute
Helping healthcare professionals find resources and support to navigate burnout and maintain good mental health.
If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 13YARN 13 92 76. In an emergency, call 000.
This activity has been made possible through funding provided by the Australian Government under the PHN Program.