Promoting mental health and well-being in Aboriginal contexts: successful elements of suicide prevention work

Abstract

The Suicide Prevention in Country SA (SPICSA) initiative was funded by the South Australian Social Inclusion Initiative in response to concerns about the higher rates of self-harm and suicidal behaviour in regional areas across the State, particularly for young people and Aboriginal people. A variety of strategies and resources were provided to facilitate coherence across the State, while ensuring local areas had flexibility to design initiatives that responded to their needs and directions. These strategies mirrored good practice elements for working in Aboriginal contexts. Successful community-driven activities were implemented in local areas that focused strongly on a health promotion approach, not just a prevention approach, and that engaged Aboriginal people effectively in the process. This resulted in learning and confirmation about suicide prevention work in Aboriginal contexts, including the value of community partners.