News and Events
Indigenous suicide rate tackled
In a move to combat the high indigenous suicide rate, prevention programs will be strictly audited and required to be more transparent in the way they operate. Counsellors hired by consultants will be also be urged to undergo cultural awareness training before they work in remote communities.
Mental health cuts reversed
The federal government has caved in to strong opposition to its $580 million cuts to a mental illness treatment program, agreeing to reverse one element of the cuts until next year. The changes to the Better Access program, announced by Mental Health Minister Mark Butler yesterday, mean patients referred to a psychologist by a GP will again be eligible for a further six sessions after the initial course of 10 sessions has been completed, provided the doctor agrees there are "exceptional circumstances".
State to close 24-hour mental health helpline
The state government is shutting down Victoria's only 24-hour mental health helpline, provoking outrage from mental health providers. The move is detailed in a leaked departmental email obtained by The Age, which states that the ''decision is based on a government commitment to consolidate investment in the front end of the mental health service system''.
New suicide prevention plan in SA
A new suicide prevention strategy in South Australia will focus on common risk factors as well as eduction and research. Local residents are being asked to comment on the plan developed by SA Health in collaboration with health experts, community members, carers and charities.
Excessive gamers more depressed
Excessive video gamers may have higher levels of anxiety and depression, according to preliminary studies at Victoria University. Video gaming researcher Daniel Loton is conducting a global study comparing academic results, relationships and physical and mental health in excessive gamers – who spent on average more than 33 hours a week playing video games – with more balanced players who devoted 21 hours to the pursuit.
Ravaged Darling Downs farmers battling silent war
The Darling Downs farming community is banding together to stave off the black dog of depression. Seminars, support groups and a planned national farmers' hotline are some of the weapons being used in the fight against one of our most silent killers.
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Suicides fall at Xmas, rise in new year
Contrary to popular belief, suicide rates actually decline at Christmas but rise in the new year. UniSA chairman of mental health, Nicholas Procter, said there was a common misconception that suicide rates increased during the Christmas period, but research indicated people were up to 40 per cent more susceptible in the new year.
Doctors reach out to hurting Queenslanders
Doctors have banded together for a new campaign designed to reach out to vulnerable and fragile Queenslanders this Christmas. The Australian Medical Association-sponsored initiative 'Suicide Watch' is in response to Queensland doctors' concerns that pressure of the festive season, combined with the upcoming anniversary of last summer's floods and Cyclone Yasi, will prove too much for some.
Dads' depression 'hurts kids' development'
Babies with depressed dads are at risk of developing behavioural and social problems by the time they start school, researchers have found. The finding has sparked calls for doctors to check new dads for signs of depression in a similar way to how mums are routinely screened for postnatal depression.
Boffins battle a suicide crisis
Stressed, suicidal or bullied? Help could be a mouse click away for young people under revolutionary proposals being considered by a world-first research project. Nineteen young Australians have been hand-picked to join mental health and wellbeing experts and technologists in the work which is being called a game-changer.
Researchers probe high suicide risks for farmers
Australian farmers have among the highest risks of suicide of any occupational group, according to the Centre for Rural and Remote Health. Researchers from the centre and Queensland's Griffith University are trying to find out why that's the case. and use the information to develop better targeted suicide prevention programs for farmers.
Father's presence cuts delinquency rates
Teenage boys without a father figure are more likely to go off the rails and turn to crime. But the chance of girls becoming delinquents was not affected by the absence of a dad or a stepdad, a study has found.
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Report finds no suicide increase
A Coroner's report has quashed claims of flood related suicides skyrocketing in Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley. The State Coroner was called upon by State Member for Lockyer Ian Rickuss to investigate claims that more than 20 people had taken their lives as a result of the January floods.
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Movember: Getting in the flow of growing the mo
Male depression is a subject close to the heart of Hornsby MP Matt Kean. Mr Kean, who used to be the Young Liberals' vice-president. was shocked and saddened in May when his fellow Young Liberals' volunteer, Mike Powell, who was only 18, died by suicide.
Study probes farmer suicides
A new university study is hoping to uncover why farmers are up to two times more likely to take their own lives. Researchers will interview the next-of-kin of suicide victims to understand why farmers are up to two times more likely than the general population to end their own life.
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Is it time to end the media's code of silence on suicide?
Alan Howe of the Herald Sun writes: It's one of the biggest public health issues, but you won't read about it. That's because newspapers have agreed to a unique code of silence. Are we right?
'Pulling together' beats flood despair
There's no evidence to back suggestions that southeast Queensland's severe floods last January have led victims to take their own lives, a coronial inquest has been told. State Coroner Michael Barnes is examining the flood-related deaths of 22 people and the disappearance of three in southeast Queensland between January 10 and 17.
2010-11 Annual Report
After a successful Annual General Meeting on October 27, Crisis Support Services have released their Annual Report for the 2010-11 financial year.
Crisis Support Services AGM 2011
CSS invites all interested parties to attend the 2011 Annual General Meeting this Thursday October 27 at 5.30pm. The meeting will be held at the Australian Croation Association, 72 Whitehall Street, Footscray. RSVP to Courtney Collier by email
ccollier@crisissupport.org.au or phone (03) 8398 8422.
West Gate bridge safety barriers a bonus for all
THE safety barriers at the West Gate Bridge are good news for all Victorians.
Long-term, authoritative research shows that if you can prevent someone with suicidal thoughts from killing themselves at that moment, many of them will never try it again.
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Petrol sniffing blamed for remote deaths
Petrol sniffing has been partly blamed for a small Aboriginal community in Western Australia's far north having a suicide rate 100 times greater than the general population.
WA Coroner Alistair Hope handed down his findings into the deaths of five young Aboriginal males, including a 13-year-old boy, in the remote Kimberley community of Balgo.
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How many did floods really kill?
Several sources claim more than 20 people in flood-affected areas may have taken their own lives in the wake of the disaster and amid subsequent insurance disputes.
Read the full article
R U OK? Day Launches 1800 link up service
The national service is available by calling 1800 RUOKDAY (1800 786 5329). This number connects people with a several telephone support services including the Suicide Call Back Service, MensLine Australia, Kids Help Line and the Beyondblue info line.
CSS is proud to support this innovative initiative.
Managers need help with mental illness
The survey, Australia's Working life and mental illness, by the national mental health charity Sane found that 95 per cent of the 520 respondents thought employers and managers needed education on mental illness and how to manage its effects in the workplace.
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Mentally ill to get right to appeal for treatment
Families and carers will also be able to appeal against early hospital discharge or refusal to admit patients under the plans, to be introduced by the NSW Minister for Mental Health, Kevin Humphries.
Do we need to speak more openly about suicide?
A Media regulator, mental health expert, Politician and parents all answer this question in an editorial piece published in the National times.
Lack of support for stressed regional and rural workers
Medibank Health Solutions has found that unrealistic work and lack of work/life balance is forcing workers to take time out from the workplace, with almost one in five taking one day off every month.
Read the full report
We Need To Talk About It
Until now, journalists have been discouraged from reporting on suicide because it was understood that it might encourage those who are considering self-harm to take the next step. But this week the Australian Press Council published a new set of standards regarding the reporting of suicide in the media.
Read the full article
Stress is top reason for lengthy sick leave
About 55 per cent of people who suffer stress or other mental conditions on the job are taking five or more sick days in a row, figures from the Bureau of Statistics publication, Australian Social Trends, June 2011, show.
MindOUT tackles high LGBTI suicide rate
'Manorexia' Rising: Male Eating Disorders, a Hidden Problem
England has seen a 66 percent rise in hospital admissions for male eating disorders. That number may conceal a larger population of bulimic or anorexic males who are unwilling to admit to an disorder that is stigamtized as affecting only teenage girls.
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Mental health scheme is 'welfare for wealthy'
The former Victorian MP has joined the fierce debate which has erupted over the Gillard government's plans to reduce such payments to doctors and psychologists, which blew out to $1.4 billion during four years.
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Overhaul sought to stem youth suicides
The Standing Committee on Health and Ageing tabled its latest inquiry into youth suicide in Parliament this week , warning more can be done to arm teachers to identify mental health issues in students and that young people in crisis require more seamless support once they leave school.
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Work-life balance key to success for modern Australian fathers
Whether Australian dads wake up this morning to burnt toast or expensive gifts, they are by and large happy with their lot. A survey of Aussie dads shows that 85 per cent of respondents still feel that they are the family breadwinners but today's dads also want to be involved with their children.
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Online campaigner Ehon Chan urges men to 'soften the f--- up' to raise mental health awareness
An online campaign urging men to face up to mental health issues turns one of the great phrases of Australian bloke culture on its head, telling guys to "soften the f--- up". Digital branding professional Ehon Chan coined the slogan as part of a campaign he hopes will resonate and raise awareness with a younger audience.
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No Laughing Matter comedy gala
The No Laughing Matter comedy gala held on June 5th at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney aims to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention in Australia and support Suicide Prevention Australia.
For more information visit and to book tickets visit the No Laughing Matter comedy gala website.
Suicide: worried about someone? - new brochure from LIFE Communications
Are you worried that someone close to you is considering suicide? Would you like to know how to help them stay safe and seek help? The 'Suicide: worried about someone?' brochure provides useful information about what you can do to help.
Most people who consider taking their own lives get through the crisis. The help and support of family, friends and professionals can make a big difference.
This brochure provides phone numbers for 24-hour crisis telephone counselling services, as well as tips on what to do if you know somebody at risk of suicide.
Click here for more information and to download/order brochure.
Top Blokes Talk Over Men's Health
On Friday November 12, MensLine Australia will bring together more than 175 Victorian business leaders to join forces in tackling the big issues affecting men’s health and wellbeing at the 2010 Top Blokes Talk Business Luncheon.
To be held at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium, the business luncheon will focus on protecting the health and wellbeing of men in the workplace, with insights from speakers like Tim Mathieson (men’s health ambassador and partner to Australia’s Prime Minister), TV doctor - Dr Andrew Rochford, and psychologist and Chair of Crisis Support Services - Dr Nicholas Voudouris.
Related documents:
"I'm Possible" Project launch
I’m Possible Project Launch Night
Thursday 11th November 6pm – 8pm
Design A Space 142 Chapel Street, Windsor VIC 3181
Project runs in store till 18th November, 2010
The “I’m Possible” Project is an open brief given to 8 designers to take the word “impossible” and flip it to the word “I’m possible”. They can interpret this anyway they like using graphics, illustrations and fonts.
The final designs will be digitally printed on to t-shirts and a limited run of only 10 t-shirts per design will be made available to purchase for $65.00 each on the launch night and in store till 18th November, 2010. $50.00 from the sale of each t-shirt will be donated to Suicide Line Victoria and be fully tax deductible.
For more information about the issues surrounding suicide in our community please visit http://www.suicideline.org.au/.
Related documents:
Dads Suicide Risk Skyrockets when Separated from their Children
As Father’s Day approaches, MensLine Australia has uncovered men living without their children are five times more likely to have attempted suicide, as compared to fathers who are living with their children.
Related documents:
PM's Multi-Million Dollar Suicide Prevention Pledge Applauded
Leading mental health service provider Crisis Support Services Inc (CSS), has applauded Prime Minister Gillard’s pledge to invest $277 million into suicide prevention, upon the re-election of the Labor Government.
Related documents:
MensLine Australia reveals links between health and relationships
Crisis Support Services Inc., providers of MensLine Australia, are
urging Australian men to consider more than their physical health during
International Men’s Health Week (June 14 -20, 2010), affirming that the health
of a man’s relationships has a direct effect on his personal health and
wellbeing.
The 2010 Men’s Health Week message is loud and
clear – Australian men need take a proactive approach to their health in order
to live long, happy and healthy lives. But there’s much more to men’s health
than diet and exercise - healthy men have healthy relationships.
Related documents:
Federal Government Makes Compact with the Third Sector
On 17 March 2010 the Hon. Kevin Rudd, MP, Prime Minister of Australia launchedthe National Compact between the Australian Government and the Third Sector (the Sector).
Leaders from around 50 Sector bodies, Members of Parliament, Senators and seniorgovernment representatives who attended the launch in the Mural Hall at ParliamentHouse were welcomed to country by Aunty Agnes Shea OAM.The Prime Minister, the Hon Jenny Macklin, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Senator the Hon Ursula Stephens, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector and Sector leaders signed a canvas representing their commitment to the Compact’s Shared Vision:
…. to work together to improve social, cultural, civic, economic and environmental outcomes, building on the strengths of individuals and communities. This collaboration will contribute to improved community wellbeing and a more inclusive Australian society with better quality of life for all.
Related documents: