Psychologist Roe’s key role Preventing vet suicide

THE Northern Queensland Primary Health Network is driving forward its action plan to tackle suicide appointing a project manager for the Townsville prevention trial site.

It comes after Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt in March announced former commander of 3rd Brigade Lieutenant General John Caligari ( retired), as the chair of the project’s steering committee.

Clinical psychologist Gayle Roe, who was previously a member of the Australian Defence Force, who started last week, is responsible for the scoping, implementation, and evaluation of the Federal Government’s pilot suicide prevention trial in the Townsville region, aimed at ex- ADF members and their families.

The newly- developed role will work closely with local stakeholders to develop localised suicide prevention and intervention plans reflective of the region’s needs.

This will include co- ordinating the activities of the project, informed by the project’s four working groups and steering committee, of which NQPHN is now looking to secure members.

“We’re seeking expressions of interest from people who would like to play a key role in helping to address the issue of veteran suicide in the region,” NQPHN chief executive officer Robin Moore said.

Mr Moore said the new project manager role was a key step in starting to address the concerning statistics regarding veteran mental health issues.

“We know the devastating impact that suicide has on North Queensland communities, individuals, families and carers, and we’re determined to work with local mental health service providers to help prevent suicide and suicidal behaviour,” he said.

“We believe Townsville is the perfect site for the first suicide prevention trial site, with Lavarack Barracks being the largest Australian Army base, undertaking mission rehearsal exercises prior to deployment.”

Recent Federal Government data revealed that the suicide rate for exservice personnel ( men) is 13 per cent higher than the general population when based on age.

NQPHN’s 2016 Health Needs Assessment also highlighted that its region’s suicide rate is one- and- a- half times the national suicide rate.