Targeted Regional Initiatives for
Suicide Prevention (TRISP)
Fostering resilience & empowering communities
The Australian Government has developed TRISP as part of the commitment to reducing suicide across Australia. The Healthy North Coast TRISP Project will implement and build on existing evidence-based suicide prevention activities and services across the North Coast region.
Recent data and insights highlight the need for a targeted, systems-based approach to address regional challenges.
HNC TRISP uses the LifeSpan Framework to integrate strategies and strengthen community support for those at risk.
Guidance for PHNs in funding regional initiatives to prevent suicide, building on the success of previous trials.
Join the Targeted Regional Initiatives for Suicide Prevention Workshops to help shape North Coast Suicide Prevention.
Systems Approach
A systems-based approach to suicide prevention recognises the multifactorial causes of suicidal distress, closely linked to the broader social determinants of health and wellbeing. This approach highlights the necessity of tailoring initiatives to effectively target at-risk populations, acknowledging the unique characteristics and challenges of each community. It emphasises the importance of interventions that are culturally appropriate and aligned with local needs.
Collaborative efforts with local stakeholders, including healthcare providers, community, and policymakers, are essential to develop and sustain effective suicide prevention strategies. By leveraging regional data and insights, these partnerships ensure that preventive measures are not only relevant but also improve outcomes. There are a range of people across the community that can play a role in preventing suicide and by working under a systems-based approach, can proactively identify risks, and target activities to reduce suicide rates.
LifeSpan Model
The Healthy North Coast TRISP Project draws upon the LifeSpan Integrated Suicide Prevention Framework, which interweaves nine evidence-based strategies into a unified community-led approach to strengthen the regional safety net against suicide.
Community Engagement and Training: LifeSpan empowers communities by training local residents and healthcare providers to detect early signs of distress and intervene effectively, enhancing local capacity for suicide prevention.
Emergency and Aftercare Services: The framework prioritizes robust emergency responses coupled with comprehensive aftercare, ensuring a continuum of support for individuals post-crisis, seamlessly integrated with broader healthcare services.
Restricting Access to Means of Suicide: LifeSpan includes measures to reduce access to common means of suicide, along with promoting responsible media reporting to prevent the potential contagion effect of suicidal behaviours.
The LifeSpan Model
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Program Guidance
The Targeted Regional Initiatives for Suicide Prevention (TRISP) represents a significant step forward in Australia’s ongoing effort to reduce suicide rates through region-specific interventions. Supported by a $42.3 million investment from the Australian Government’s 2022-23 Budget, TRISP builds upon the achievements of the National Suicide Prevention Trial. It aims to enhance community resilience and wellbeing by employing a systems-based approach tailored to the unique needs of each Primary Health Network (PHN) and their local communities.
The TRISP initiative encourages PHNs to integrate evidence-based strategies that address the multifaceted causes of suicide, acknowledging that effective prevention requires more than a one-size-fits-all solution. By focusing on key areas such as data development, community engagement, and culturally responsive care, TRISP seeks to empower health professionals to implement and coordinate interventions that are both targeted and holistic. This includes appointing a Suicide Prevention Regional Response Coordinator in each PHN to drive localised action, facilitate partnerships, and ensure access to comprehensive mental health services.
Through TRISP, health professionals have the opportunity to collaborate with community leaders, people with lived experience, and various stakeholders to create a supportive environment that prioritises mental health and reduces suicidal behaviour. By fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, TRISP aims to make a lasting impact on suicide prevention across Australia.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with our Suicide Prevention Team.
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we live and work, the Bundjalung, Arakwal, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, Githabul, Dunghutti and Birpai Nations, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and future.
