London: Fears mental health calls going unattended
Mental health callouts in London are now being dealt with by the NHS instead of the police, unless there is a risk of serious harm.
The change in approach has led to a decrease in the number of arrests made under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act, but concerns have been raised about where those individuals are now receiving support. [ more ]
Workshop: Advancing the Science on Peer Support and Suicide Prevention
Peer support services for suicide prevention are becoming more prominent in healthcare and community settings.
The workshop will discuss conceptual frameworks, recent advances, intervention strategies, digital applications, youth considerations, and equity considerations. [ more ]
NSW government wants suicide prevention legislation owned by the people'
The New South Wales government plans to introduce suicide prevention legislation owned by those with lived experience of mental ill health.
Experts are calling for concrete directions, funding, and timeframes to be included in the legislation.
The legislation will be based on similar laws in South Australia, which created an advisory council and individual prevention plans for government departments. [ more ]
VA's AI model to prevent suicides is a 'game changer,' official says
The use of AI and predictive analytics in identifying veterans at risk of suicide has been a 'game changer' for the Department of Veterans Affairs. [ more ]
Most Canadian universities don't track student suicides. Experts and students say they should | CBC News
Almost 75% of Canadian universities do not track suicides or attempted suicides among students, hindering efforts to understand and address the mental health crisis. [ more ]
Everything Taylor Swift's New Album Seemingly Tells Us About Her 9-Year Situationship With Matty Healy
Key Takeaway: The article provides important helpline numbers for individuals struggling with substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, and LGBTQ youth. [ more ]
The tragic suicide of an accomplished Biglaw associate in Australia highlights the ongoing importance of mental health support within the legal profession. [ more ]
4th Circuit upholds ordinance requiring gun sellers to distribute suicide prevention information
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld an ordinance in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, requiring gun dealers to distribute literature on suicide prevention and conflict resolution to buyers of guns and ammunition.
The ordinance was passed in 2022 as a response to an increase in suicide deaths and the use of guns as a means of suicide. Gun dealers claimed that the literature conveyed the message that guns cause suicide and was intended to discourage gun sales. [ more ]
'We don't want to be first place.' Wyoming tries to address high gun suicide rates
The opening of a mental health urgent care clinic in Wyoming is providing immediate help and support to individuals struggling with mental health issues and suicidal thoughts.
One of the challenges in suicide prevention efforts in Wyoming is addressing the high gun ownership rates and the fear of gun confiscation that some individuals have when seeking treatment. [ more ]
Keir Starmer pledges to focus on self harm in drive to bring down suicide rates
Sir Keir Starmer pledges special training for mental health professionals to support people who self-harm in order to reduce suicide rates.
Labour promises to recruit 8,500 new mental health professionals, provide specialists in every school, and guarantee treatment within four weeks. [ more ]
After decades of advocacy, suicide deterrent finally comes to the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco has been a high-profile suicide spot, with an average of about two people a month jumping to their deaths since it was built in 1937.
A stainless steel safety net has been installed below the sidewalk of the Golden Gate Bridge to deter people from jumping and catch those who do. [ more ]
Canadians in mental health crisis can now call 988 | CBC News
Canada's 988 hotline for suicide prevention services is now live, providing immediate support to those in crisis.
988 is a short, easy-to-remember number that is available 24/7, free of charge, and accessible throughout Canada.
The hotline aims to prevent suicide by offering support for various factors that contribute to suicide, such as mental illness and feelings of burden or lack of belonging. [ more ]