Compass sets course
ACTION on veteran suicide prevention is continuing with Operation Compass gaining significant momentum in Townsville.
That’s the pledge from the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network ( NQPHN) mental health director Gillian Yearsley.
The NQPHN is tasked with delivering a pilot suicide prevention trial in Townsville which targets ex- serving Australian Defence Force members and their families.
Mrs Yearsley said the project, headed by Lieutenant General John Caligari AO, DSC ( retired) as chair, was making significant progress in developing localised suicide prevention and mental health intervention plans.
“The project is gaining im- portant traction in addressing the concerning statistics around veteran mental health issues,” Mrs Yearsley said.
“For example, the project’s reference groups have been divided into three very diverse groups, with all participants bringing their own level of interest and experience.
“It’s vital that we utilise existing skills and knowledge within the ex- ADF, mental health, and other healthcare care and community sectors find solutions which work.”
Mrs Yearsley said the project was identifying how best to get information on the project out to the community, including ex- ADF members and their families, working with local experts on the ground.
“This includes details on what the project aims to achieve, how it fits in with broader j joint Townsville sui- to cide prevention activity, and how the community can become involved,” she said. “We know the devastating impact that suicide has on North Queensland communities, individuals, families and carers, and we’re determined to work with local organisations to help prevent suicide and suicidal behaviour.”
Mrs Yearsley said more needed to be done to support ADF personnel and their families while they served, and when they transitioned to civilian life and beyond.
This need for action came after data demonstrated that the suicide rate for ex- service 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. The Turnbull Government announced the suicide prevention trial in Townsville last year as part of a $ 34 million commitment to fund and evaluate 12 suicide prevention trial sites nationally.
The Townsville trial brings together the best evidencebased strategies and models to better target people at risk of suicide, and ensure a more integrated, regionally based approach to suicide prevention.