Expand Peer Support Networks for Suicidal Distress

The National Suicide Prevention Strategy highlights the value of peer-led approaches in reducing stigma and providing holistic care. The DVSC should actively fund and facilitate the expansion of peer support networks, drawing on international best practices, to offer longer-term, flexible support that reflects the ebb and flow of suicidal thoughts.

The-20National-20Suicide-20Prevention-20Strategy-202025-35.pdf

Integrate Socio-economic Stressor Mitigation into Suicide Prevention

The strategy explicitly links socio-economic factors like unemployment, low income, and social exclusion to increased suicide risk. The DVSC, in collaboration with relevant government agencies, should develop integrated policies and programs that proactively address these stressors for veterans, rather than solely focusing on reactive mental health support.

The-20National-20Suicide-20Prevention-20Strategy-202025-35.pdf

Systematically Capture Lived Experience Data for Service Improvement

The strategy emphasises the need for systematic and coordinated data collection, translated into practice with people with lived experience. The DVSC should implement a structured mechanism to gather, analyse, and report on feedback and experiences from veterans and their families regarding the effectiveness and accessibility of services, going beyond anecdotal evidence.

The-20National-20Suicide-20Prevention-20Strategy-202025-35.pdf

Establish a Cross-Portfolio Suicide Prevention Governance Group

The strategy advocates for whole-of-government arrangements and cross-portfolio governance. The DVSC should lead the establishment of a formal, high-level cross-portfolio group, including representatives from Defence, Health, Social Services, and Treasury, to ensure coordinated action and consistent decision-making on suicide prevention initiatives impacting veterans.

The-20National-20Suicide-20Prevention-20Strategy-202025-35.pdf

Upskill Non-Health Support Staff in Suicide Prevention Identification

Recognising that many veterans speak to family or friends before seeking formal support, the strategy suggests upskilling non-health staff. The DVSC should develop and implement a training program for DVA staff and potentially Defence personnel in frontline roles to identify individuals struggling and provide compassionate initial responses and referrals.

The-20National-20Suicide-20Prevention-20Strategy-202025-35.pdf

Streamline Freedom of Information and Administrative Release Processes

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 and administrative access are key pathways for veterans to obtain information. The DVSC should work with DVA to ensure these processes are as streamlined and transparent as possible, prioritising administrative release and proactively assisting applicants to avoid delays and frustration, as highlighted in the Royal Commission implementation update.

implementation-of-interim-report-update-30June2023.pages.jsonl

Develop Targeted Support Programs for Veteran Caregivers

The strategy notes that families, carers, and kin can contribute significantly to veteran wellbeing but also face 'caregiver burden' and increased suicide risk themselves. The DVSC should champion the development of specific support programs, including respite care, mental health services, and practical assistance, tailored to the unique needs of veteran caregivers.

The-20National-20Suicide-20Prevention-20Strategy-202025-35.pdf

Establish Clear and Transparent Engagement Protocols with Lived Experience Representatives

Veterans with lived and living experience have stressed the importance of clearly defined roles and transparency in engagement processes. The DVSC should develop and implement formal protocols for engaging with these individuals, outlining expectations, scope of contribution, and decision-making processes to ensure meaningful and mutually reinforcing collaboration.

The-20National-20Suicide-20Prevention-20Strategy-202025-35.pdf

Implement Proactive Outreach for High-Risk Veteran Cohorts

The strategy identifies specific groups with disproportionately higher suicide risk, including those with histories of childhood maltreatment, disability, or those impacted by disasters. The DVSC should move beyond a reactive model and implement targeted, proactive outreach programs to connect with these veterans and offer support before a crisis point is reached.

The-20National-20Suicide-20Prevention-20Strategy-202025-35.pdf

Expand Peer Support Networks for Suicidal Distress

The National Suicide Prevention Strategy highlights the value of peer-led approaches in reducing stigma and providing holistic care. The DVSC should actively fund and facilitate the expansion of peer support networks, drawing on international best practices, to offer longer-term, flexible support that reflects the ebb and flow of suicidal thoughts.

The-20National-20Suicide-20Prevention-20Strategy-202025-35.pdf

Integrate Socio-economic Stressor Mitigation into Suicide Prevention

The strategy explicitly links socio-economic factors like unemployment, low income, and social exclusion to increased suicide risk. The DVSC, in collaboration with relevant government agencies, should develop integrated policies and programs that proactively address these stressors for veterans, rather than solely focusing on reactive mental health support.

The-20National-20Suicide-20Prevention-20Strategy-202025-35.pdf

Systematically Capture Lived Experience Data for Service Improvement

The strategy emphasises the need for systematic and coordinated data collection, translated into practice with people with lived experience. The DVSC should implement a structured mechanism to gather, analyse, and report on feedback and experiences from veterans and their families regarding the effectiveness and accessibility of services, going beyond anecdotal evidence.

The-20National-20Suicide-20Prevention-20Strategy-202025-35.pdf

Establish a Cross-Portfolio Suicide Prevention Governance Group

The strategy advocates for whole-of-government arrangements and cross-portfolio governance. The DVSC should lead the establishment of a formal, high-level cross-portfolio group, including representatives from Defence, Health, Social Services, and Treasury, to ensure coordinated action and consistent decision-making on suicide prevention initiatives impacting veterans.

The-20National-20Suicide-20Prevention-20Strategy-202025-35.pdf

Upskill Non-Health Support Staff in Suicide Prevention Identification

Recognising that many veterans speak to family or friends before seeking formal support, the strategy suggests upskilling non-health staff. The DVSC should develop and implement a training program for DVA staff and potentially Defence personnel in frontline roles to identify individuals struggling and provide compassionate initial responses and referrals.

The-20National-20Suicide-20Prevention-20Strategy-202025-35.pdf

Streamline Freedom of Information and Administrative Release Processes

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 and administrative access are key pathways for veterans to obtain information. The DVSC should work with DVA to ensure these processes are as streamlined and transparent as possible, prioritising administrative release and proactively assisting applicants to avoid delays and frustration, as highlighted in the Royal Commission implementation update.

implementation-of-interim-report-update-30June2023.pages.jsonl

Develop Targeted Support Programs for Veteran Caregivers

The strategy notes that families, carers, and kin can contribute significantly to veteran wellbeing but also face 'caregiver burden' and increased suicide risk themselves. The DVSC should champion the development of specific support programs, including respite care, mental health services, and practical assistance, tailored to the unique needs of veteran caregivers.

The-20National-20Suicide-20Prevention-20Strategy-202025-35.pdf

Establish Clear and Transparent Engagement Protocols with Lived Experience Representatives

Veterans with lived and living experience have stressed the importance of clearly defined roles and transparency in engagement processes. The DVSC should develop and implement formal protocols for engaging with these individuals, outlining expectations, scope of contribution, and decision-making processes to ensure meaningful and mutually reinforcing collaboration.

The-20National-20Suicide-20Prevention-20Strategy-202025-35.pdf

Implement Proactive Outreach for High-Risk Veteran Cohorts

The strategy identifies specific groups with disproportionately higher suicide risk, including those with histories of childhood maltreatment, disability, or those impacted by disasters. The DVSC should move beyond a reactive model and implement targeted, proactive outreach programs to connect with these veterans and offer support before a crisis point is reached.

The-20National-20Suicide-20Prevention-20Strategy-202025-35.pdf