Latest news and published research in suicide prevention
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eNews October 2025
Welcome to the October edition of Life in Mind eNews, featuring the latest news from the suicide prevention and mental health sectors, as well as some newly published research in suicide prevention.
If you would like to share suicide prevention-related news, current initiatives or published research, please email lifeinmind@health.nsw.gov.au
Sector news
Read some of the latest suicide prevention news in Australia
Strengthening national postvention support
A new national partnership has been established to strengthen how communities are supported after a death by suicide. The National Postvention Leadership Group unites four organisations to ensure timely and coordinated access to postvention supports.
Sustaining Australia’s suicide prevention workforce
Suicide Prevention Australia has released a new report, Helping the Helpers: Sustaining the Suicide Prevention Workforce, highlighting urgent workforce challenges and ten key recommendations to secure the sustainability, diversity and wellbeing of the sector.
Using the Australian Suicide Prevention Planning Model for targeted service planning
The Australian Suicide Prevention Planning Model (AuSPPM) is the first tool of its kind in Australia designed to plan suicide prevention services based on real community needs. It provides targeted estimates to guide local, state and territory, and national planning.
Highlights from the Prevention in Practice Summit
The Prevention in Practice Summit brought experts together to explore bridging the gap between evidence and practice. Read the key suicide prevention highlights from the event and watch session recordings to learn practical strategies to turn evidence into practice.
NSW Suicide Prevention Bill passes parliament
New legislation passed in New South Wales parliament is a big step forward for suicide prevention. This is the first time in New South Wales' history that suicide prevention has been written into law, ensuring suicide prevention is the responsibility of all government agencies, not only that of the health department.
Image courtesy of the Australian Department of Defence
New Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy released
The Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy sets out a vision to support the mental health and wellbeing of the Defence and veteran community. The Strategy has six goals and two action plans, with a strong focus on suicide prevention.
Suicide Prevention Australia releases the 2025 State of the Nation report
Suicide Prevention Australia’s 2025 State of the Nation in Suicide Prevention report reveals increasing service demand, persistent workforce shortages and underfunding for priority groups, while calling for whole-of-government reform and timely access to suicide prevention data.
Translated research studies
A translation of suicide prevention research on the Life in Mind portal
LifeSpan study shows community suicide prevention model can reduce self-harmThe trial of the LifeSpan suicide prevention model in four New South Wales communities showed a 13.8% reduction in hospital-presenting self-harm, though suicide rates did not significantly change. Findings highlight the promise of multi-strategy prevention approaches to reduce suicide-related harm. |
Perspectives on the community’s role in rural youth suicide preventionA recent study, The community’s role in rural youth suicide prevention: Perspectives from the field, looked at key factors supporting rural youth suicide prevention. The study highlights the importance of trusted community members and local organisations in the prevention of youth suicide in rural Australia. |
Highlights and happenings
Other featured content from across the Life in Mind portal
AuSPPM public information webinar
In September 2025, The Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research held a webinar about version 1 of the Australian Suicide Prevention Planning Model (AuSPPM). The webinar provides an overview on the development of the AuSPPM and a walkthrough of all model components, including its documentation. It also includes a panel discussion about using the AuSPPM for advancing suicide prevention services and finishes with a 10-minute Q&A session. Click on the video below to watch now.
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Each edition of the Life in Mind eNews has some of the latest news and research in mental health and suicide prevention.
