LifeForce suicide prevention program

LifeForce program manager Kirsty D’Bais says: ‘Our LifeForce network program practically translates Action Area 3 [community resilience] into specific activities. Part of our role includes providing guidance to community members on using the LIFE Framework. For example we encourage communities to address Action Area 1[Improving the evidence base and understanding of suicide prevention at a local level] by encouraging local research projects.

LifeForce works in rural and regional communities of NSW, providing suicide prevention education and resources.

Program duration

Commenced February 2007.

Location and people

LifeForce operates in New South Wales, serving rural and regional communities.

Aims

LifeForce aims to provide education, empowerment and resources for communities that will allow them to respond to suicide risk effectively.

Activities

LifeForce helps communities develop suicide prevention networks through:

• community meetings
• identification of community interest in suicide prevention
• identifying key drivers of the local suicide prevention network
• scoping the needs of the local area
• tailoring networking programs for the community.

Model

LifeForce has created a community network model that incorporates:

• community capacity identification
• creating a formal association of the local suicide prevention network
• identifying and addressing local issues through regular meetings.

Lessons learnt

• each community approach to suicide prevention will vary
• setting realistic objectives (including timeframes) is critical
• individual and community capacity will differ.

Evaluation information

LifeForce conducts surveys prior to and after establishing a community network. External evaluators also review the program with a focus on benchmarking systems and processes. The combined data is then analysed, and improvements incorporated.

Umbrella organisation

LifeForce is an initiative from Wesley Mission, which also operates Lifeline.

Project partners

National partners:

• Ambulance Association
• Country Women’s Association
• Central Coast Farmers Network.

Network partners:

• mayors and council staff
• drug and alcohol counsellors
• psychologists
• schools
• nurses
• Indigenous health networks.

Contact

For more information visit the LifeForce website, email lifeforce@wesleymission.org.au or phone 02 9804 5221.