Jewish Suicide Prevention
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15-44. Eight people take their own lives in Australia every day, while for every one of those deaths it is estimated that as many as 30 people attempt to end their lives. Emanuel Synagogue is one of twenty organisations that have come together to devise a suicide prevention strategy within the NSW Jewish community.
What is it?
In response to a number of suicides within the Jewish community, NSW’s first ever Jewish Suicide Prevention Strategy has been established. This project, which is being supported by funding from The Jewish Communal Appeal (JCA) aims to raise awareness, educate and empower members of the community. This vital project is guided by the LifeSpan Framework developed by the Black Dog Institute’s WHOLE COMMUNITY APPROACH to suicide prevention.
What will be done to prevent suicide and raise awareness?
Over a 2 year time frame the project will roll out FREE Mental Health First Aid and suicide prevention trainings to gatekeepers and general community members, facilitate community events and presentations, grow a network to champion the message of suicide prevention and awareness, strengthen partnerships and create an integrated and co-ordinated response to suicide through culturally appropriate resources and programs.
Who is involved in developing Strategy?
A Steering Committee has been established in partnership with members from Jewish specific emergency and community service organisations, schools, health professionals and Rabbis as well as specialist services such as the Black Dog Institute. JewishCare is a member of Suicide Prevention Australia who will provide ongoing strategic guidance and support.
When was it launched?
The Jewish Suicide Prevention Strategy was officially launched on World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday September 10, 2017 held in conjunction with the annual Eastern Suburbs Suicide Prevention Network awareness walk. MP Julian Leeser spoke at the launch about the importance of initiatives such as this which build community capacity and affirms that suicide prevention is a shared responsibility.
For more, see: http://www.jewishcare.com.au/mental-health/suicide_awareness_and_prevention
If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance please call 000 or Hatzolah on 9371 2222 or the below contacts.
Crisis contacts:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Jewish House 24/7 Crisis Line: 1300 544 357
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
General Support:
Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
JewishCare’s Mental Health & Wellbeing team: 1300 133 660
beyondblue: 1300 22 4636
Please download the attached Suicide Prevention Crisis Card for more phone numbers and contacts
Jewish Suicide Prevention Strategy
As part of the Jewish Suicide Prevention Strategy, FREE Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) & Suicide Prevention Training is being offered in 2018.
All training is held at JewishCare, 3 Saber St Woollahra.
To register your interest email: familyandfriends@jewishcare.com.au
All training is held at JewishCare, 3 Saber St Woollahra.
To register your interest email: familyandfriends@jewishcare.com.au
Other important dates:
13 September RUOK Day
16 September Suicide Prevention Walk – details to follow