A 10-year strategy that builds a systems-based, evidence-informed, whole-of-government and community-wide approach to suicide prevention and response. The strategy aims to reduce the rate of suicide, support those impacted and stop the stigma that surrounds it by working across government, service providers and the community to deliver objectives under 6 priority areas.

The strategy replaces the Victorian suicide prevention framework 2016–2025 and guides the work of the Suicide Prevention and Response Office. The Office was established in response to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, which in its final report recommended that the Victorian Government implement and monitor a new suicide prevention and response strategy co-designed by people with lived experience of suicidal behaviour, family members and carers, and people with lived experience of bereavement by suicide. 

 It is a call to action for governments, workplaces, schools, the media, sectors, industries and the Victorian community to come together to reduce the rate of suicide, support those impacted and stop the stigma that surrounds it.

To support successful delivery and implementation, an accountability framework and rolling implementation plans accompany the strategy. Each implementation plan will outline the specific initiatives (programs, services and policies) that will be delivered over a specific time period. Each initiative will align with the strategy’s priority areas and objectives and will have a lead government department, agency or community partner.

Priority areas for action

1. Build and support connected systems to improve access, navigation and continuity of care.
2. Build on and strengthen existing supports across the suicide prevention and response continuum.
3. Build and support a compassionate, trauma-informed workforce, strengthened by lived and living experience. 
4. Reduce suicide-related stigma and enable community-wide action to support and educate communities.
5. Drive whole-of-government collaboration and innovation to drive accountability and coordination.
6. Build on and use data and our evidence base in delivery and evaluation.