21. Access to debriefing and counseling services in event of farm suicide

This is an area of key need in rural communities. Suicide is traumatic for families and friends, with feelings of guilt, anger, sadness mixed with the practical problems associated with a sudden death and public coronial enquiry. The Network can assist rural communities to define service requirements and availability, and to develop its appropriate response to reports of suicide in the interests of reducing the impact and potential for further suicide.

Lead action: Convenors Margaret Alston and Brian Kelly

Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health:
Access to debriefing and counselling services in the event of farm suicide
www.crrmh.com.au

NSW Rural Mental Health Support Line
1800 201 123

22. The media role in mental health promotion

The media is a useful vehicle for communication of helpful information, and should be used well by the Network.  On the other hand the media can be either harmful or helpful in its coverage of suicide. A Code of Conduct for the media is available for reporting of suicide events to ensure that reporting does not develop the attitude in a community that suicide is a ‘normal’ or ‘honourable’ action in time of overwhelming difficulty. 

A Communication Plan should be developed with agreed messages, target audience and methods for the work of the Network. The media networks of all Network partners should be used for such communication.

Lead action: NSW Farmers with Australian Centre
for Agricultural Health and Safety

NSW Farmers Association
www.nswfarmers.org.au

Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety
www.acahs.med.usyd.edu.au

Anglicare:
Access to debriefing and counseling services in event of farm suicide
Regional Dioceses: www.anglicare.asn.au
Diocese of Sydney: www.anglicare.org.au