Shaping the future of suicide prevention in South Australia

Work is underway to strengthen the state’s Suicide Prevention Plan to ensure the right processes are in place to support wellbeing and prevent suicide across the state.

South Australians are invited to have their say about suicide prevention, with consultation now open to help develop the next plan.

The consultation has two aims; the first is to review the current South Australian Suicide Prevention Plan 2023-26 and to provide feedback to the South Australian Suicide Prevention Council that assists in the development of a practical, evidence-informed and achievable plan moving forward.

The second phase of consultation will seek final feedback on the new draft plan for 2027-32, which is intended to further build on the significant work already undertaken and align with national plans and the requirements of the Suicide Prevention Act 2021 and relevant South Australian policies.

It is hoped the Suicide Prevention Plan developed through this consultation process reflects the experiences of South Australians and delivers practical actions that reduce distress and help prevent suicide across our communities.

South Australia has been a national leader in suicide prevention, becoming the first jurisdiction in Australia to enact dedicated suicide prevention legislation.

This consultation is an important opportunity to build on that leadership and strengthen the coordinated response across government, services and communities, articulated in a state plan.

Suicide prevention is everyone's responsibility. It requires action across government, health, education, local communities and service systems, with community organisations, volunteers and frontline services all playing a vital role in supporting people when they need it most.

Feedback is being sought from people with lived experience, families, carers, service providers and organisations to contribute to the consultation and to ensure the next plan is relevant and responsive to a diversity of needs.

Phase one of the consultation is expected to close on 16 October, with the feedback to help start drafting the new plan by the end of this year.

A copy of the newly drafted Suicide Prevention Plan 2027-32 will then undergo phase two of the consultation period in early next year and is expected to be finalised by mid next 2027.

Preventive Health SA has also launched the South Australian Suicide Prevention Community Grants 2026-27, with $150,000 across two funding streams to support community-led projects that strengthen mental wellbeing and contribute to suicide prevention across South Australia.

Five grants of up to $20,000 are available for projects with broader reach, strong partnerships, organisational capability-building and proportionate evaluation.
Ten grants of up to $5,000 are available for projects that strengthen known protective factors associated with mental wellbeing and suicide prevention.

The grants have been running since 2015 and support community-led, evidence-informed and collaborative initiatives that demonstrate positive outcomes for populations and communities experiencing elevated suicide risk, poorer wellbeing outcomes or social disadvantage.

Applications for the 2026-27 Grants will close on 23 October 2026.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for South Australians aged 15 to 44. Every suicide has a deep and enduring impact on families, friends and communities.
With the right supports many suicides are preventable. Raising awareness, breaking down stigma, increasing connection, responding compassionately and addressing the different risks, challenges and support needs in communities can save lives.

The South Australian Suicide Prevention Plan Review and Development: Engagement and Consultation is now available on the Your Say website.

For more information and to check eligibility requirements, visit South Australian Suicide Prevention Community Grants.

If you or someone you know needs some mental health support, there are services available. You can:

Was this page useful to you?

Useful