To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, Sydney’s largest retirement village operator Anglicare has announced the launch of its Suicide Prevention for Seniors Program.
The program, supported by the NSW Government’s Suicide Prevention Fund 2020-2024, consists of an online course, webinars and resources, designed to train ‘gatekeepers’ across NSW to recognise the signs of suicide and step in to offer older people hope and connect them to services and resources that reduce feelings of hopelessness and despair.
Michael Sheedy, Head of Mental Health at Anglicare, said that the program uses a capacity-building and collaborative approach to increase the skills and knowledge of staff, community members and stakeholders.
“Equipping aged care, health care and other professionals to spot the signs of suicidal crisis and provide appropriate intervention is a way to reduce the rate of suicide in the older population,” Mr Sheedy said.
Australian men aged over 85 have the highest rate of suicide yet are less likely to use specialty mental health services. Equipping the ‘gatekeepers’ who support older people, such as aged care workers, pastoral care workers, doctors and pharmacists can therefore play a significant role in lowering the suicide rate in seniors.
World Suicide Prevention Day is a day reminding society that suicide is not a condition, but a preventable cause of death. For anyone who is struggling, you can call the below for support and advice: Lifeline 13 11 14 | Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 | NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.
If you are interested in taking part in Anglicare’s Suicide Prevention for Seniors Program, contact Nancy Gewargis, Anglicare’s Suicide Prevention for Seniors Program Coordinator. Email Nancy.Gewargis@Anglicare.org.au
