Suicide prevention

Each PHN in Australia received a two-year, flexible investment in suicide prevention which concluded on 30 June 2026. The funding was delivered under Targeted Regional Initiatives in Suicide Prevention (TRISP).  

Through TRISP, CESPHN, in partnership with Beacon Strategies, undertook a comprehensive literature review alongside a consultation and co-design process. 

These processes identified system gaps and priority populations across the region, creating an opportunity to invest in short- to medium-term initiatives with consideration to sustainability of that investment.  

The conclusion of the funding period provides an opportunity for reflection on the achievements and learnings from this piece of work.  

Some highlights from the TRISP initiatives in 2025-26 include:  

Increased access to SafeHavens​: Due to limited resourcing, SafeHaven services previously operated only a few hours per week, restricting access during crisis periods. CESPHN partnered with local health districts and networks to fund expanded access under TRISP, enabling more people experiencing suicidality to use these services. This aims to demonstrate proof‑of‑concept and support ongoing higher‑level funding from NSW Health.  

Community Connector Suicide Prevention training and support initiative: CESPHN commissioned Dr. Joe Tighe to lead a coordinated program of work that supports both frontline workers and community members to participate in suicide prevention training and receive ongoing support in their role. ​Dr. Tighe has delivered ASIST and SafeTALK training across the region with overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. Participants not salaried to attend have been remunerated for their time, enabling a wide range of people to attend.   

Aboriginal suicide prevention events for young people: CESPHN commissioned La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council and Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation to stage large-scale suicide prevention and wellbeing events aimed at engaging and supporting young Aboriginal people in the south of the CESPHN region.   

Suicide Prevention Lived Experience Workforce Development Initiative (SPLEWDI): Beacon Strategies led the development of a region-wide suicide prevention lived experience (LE) workforce development strategy to collectively support, grow and develop the suicide prevention peer workforce. Funding was utilised to support LE staff to undertake Open Dialogue training, to provide LE peer supervision, and to stage a regional event for Suicide Prevention LE workforce to forge supportive connections.