NSW Ministry of Health releases Taylor Fry report

The NSW Ministry of Health recently published our evaluation of six programs under the state’s Towards Zero Suicides initiatives – a multi-year effort to reduce suicide and its devastating impact on individuals, families and communities.

Led by Taylor Fry’s Hugh Miller, Ramona Meyricke and Dennis Lam in collaboration with ARTD Consultants, the evaluation brings together a diverse mix of evidence – including linked administrative data, interviews with stakeholders and consumers, surveys and program-level data – to understand how the initiatives are operating and where they can be strengthened.

The six initiatives span the full spectrum of suicide prevention supports:

• Safe Havens
• Suicide Prevention Outreach Teams
• Zero Suicides in Care
• Community Gatekeeper Training
• Post Suicide Support
• am/ Youth Aftercare.

Initiatives critical in connecting people

Our evaluation found the initiatives are reaching thousands of people across NSW – including those who may not otherwise have sought support. In some districts, more than 40 per cent of Safe Haven visitors reported they would not have sought help had the service not been available. This highlights the critical role these initiatives play in connecting with people who may fall through the gaps in traditional care pathways.

Linked data key in understanding patterns of service use

A key strength of the evaluation was the use of linked administrative data across NSW Health and Commonwealth systems – including emergency, inpatient, mental health, MBS and PBS records. This enabled a more complete view of service pathways before and after engagement with the initiatives, and broader patterns of service use prior to self-harm or suicide. For example, the evaluation found only one-third of people who died by suicide had a recorded interaction with NSW Health mental health services in the year prior to their death. These insights are helping to build a clearer picture of where the system is working well – and where there are opportunities to strengthen access, coordination and follow-up care.

Positive outcomes and service gaps

In terms of outcomes, consumers reported high satisfaction and reduced distress, particularly those accessing Safe Havens, Youth Aftercare and Post Suicide Support. In some districts, Safe Havens were also associated with fewer emergency department presentations for suicidal ideation. At the same time, the evaluation identified important service gaps – and opportunities to improve data capture, referral pathways and access for priority groups, including older people, men and LGBTQIA+ communities.

For more details, read the overarching report Evaluation of Suicide Prevention Initiatives, or the brief  Summary Report.

*The pain and loss of suicide for those who take their lives and the loved ones they leave behind affect thousands of people each year in Australia. If this article raises concerns for you, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4626, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or seek help from these crisis helplines and support services.