The purpose of Suicide Prevention Community Action Planning (SPCAP) is to lead the collaborative development of coordinated community plans for suicide prevention activities across the Northern Queensland region. Together, we help build connections and co-design suicide prevention activities that are trusted, effective and sustainable.
Suicide Prevention Community Action Planning includes and supports those with lived experience to help inform and guide all our plans; while bringing together other key stakeholders working in different sectors such as: Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Education, Family Violence, Local Government, Emergency Services, Commercial, Community and Volunteer Groups across our regions.
The region
We deliver activities and services across the wider Northern Queensland region including:
- Hinchinbrook
- Palm Island
- Townsville
- Burdekin
- Charters Towers
- Richmond
- Flinders
Workstreams
Our workstreams build on existing strengths and support, fostering collaboration, aligning with community needs and the National Suicide Prevention Framework, and sharing stories, progress and successes along the way.
Palm Island Initiative
Building on established community-led suicide prevention initiatives, we’re supporting Palm Island by engaging Elders, local leaders and organisations to refresh Train-the-Trainer workshops. With communities leading the way, we’re strengthening sustainable local approaches to wellbeing and suicide prevention.
Regional and remote
We’re working alongside local communities in rural and remote areas to strengthen health, wellbeing and resilience. Through community conversations, training opportunities and stronger local networks, we’re empowering people to lead sustainable, community-driven solutions.
Custody transitions
By strengthening local partnerships and pathways, we’re working to improve wellbeing and reduce suicide risk across our region. Together with justice, health and community service partners, we’re creating a more coordinated and supportive transition from custody, helping people access the right support when they need it most.
Youth wellbeing
Young people are key to shaping the future of youth wellbeing and suicide prevention. Through co-design, collaboration and lived experience, we’re working with young people, services and community partners to create locally led solutions, strengthen connection and improve access to support.
Community capacity
By connecting people, services and communities, we’re fostering a more collaborative and community-led approach to wellbeing and suicide prevention. Through stronger partnerships, shared knowledge and coordinated action, we’re building a more connected region that supports better health and wellbeing outcomes.
Your local supports
Connect with suicide prevention services and groups in our area to keep doing what needs to be done for those who are in crisis, better support each other, and keep growing this community together.
Open Arms
Open Arms – Veterans & Family Counselling was founded by Australia’s Vietnam veterans. It is Australia’s leading provider of mental health assessment and counselling for Australian veterans and their families.
Lifeline QLD
In Queensland we deliver our 13 11 14 Lifeline Crisis Support Line, available 24/7, through 10 Lifeline centres – providing confidential suicide prevention services with a non-judgmental and compassionate listening ear. We also offer text messages, and online chat services 24/7.
StandBy Support After Suicide
The StandBy program is focused on supporting anyone who has been bereaved or impacted by suicide at any stage in their life, including:
- Individuals
- Families
- Friends
- Witnesses
- First Responders
- Service Providers
Thirrili
To provide crucial and timely support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with the acknowledgement of shared, collective, continuous ancestral connections, by drawing on cultural ways of knowing, being, and doing. To achieve this purpose, we:
- Support communities in the aftermath of suicide or other fatal critical incidents
- Work collectively with communities to build self-determined lives free from the impacts of suicide
- Inform systems change at all levels
Our local partners
Hear what our Advisory Group members have to say about Suicide Prevention Community Action Planning in these five short videos.
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Connect with us
Northern Queensland Region Facebook Page
Follow us on Facebook to connect with Carmen, all our partners and community members from all walks of life, in real time. It’s a friendly space to see what we are up to and gain inspiration, share your events and ideas, and find more about the right supports for your communities.
Zenta Martin-Szpyt
Community Development Coordinator
“It’s really important to connect all of our communities. Our rural and remote communities — and all our different working sectors, age groups, religions and cultures.”
This is an information sharing platform and not a crisis support service
If you or someone you know is in need of immediate help – please call:
Emergency 000, Lifeline 131114, and/or the Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.