Council signs National Charter to change the way we talk about suicide

Council has marked World Suicide Prevention Day by becoming the first local council in Australia to sign a National Communications Charter, which supports individuals and organisations to take a unified approach to talking about mental health and suicide.

The Charter commits Council to use positive, person-centred and respectful language, to work with other organisations to deliver clear, consistent and coordinated community awareness and advocacy activities, and to share knowledge about best practice communication and resources, including involving people who have been affected by suicide.

This commitment is the latest in a series of actions Council has taken as coordinator of the Northern Beaches Suicide Response, which aims to reduce suicide rates on the Northern Beaches through a range of coordinated activities. The Steering Group of the Response includes Council, Police, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney North Health Network, CCNB, people with lived experience and Lifeline Northern Beaches.

There are a range of ways you can get involved. Council has created an online hub for information, services and events relating to suicide prevention. If you would like to know how to help those who may be struggling, find out more about training courses available on the Northern Beaches.

To learn more about the National Communications Charter, or to become a signatory, visit Life in Mind Australia. 

If you or someone you know is in crisis, there is always help available:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 65 94 67 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36 Emergency: 000