Suicide Prevention Networks are a key element of the South Australian approach to community suicide prevention. Each Suicide Prevention Network is established and supported in recognition that we all have the ability to recognise distress and respond with compassion.

Suicide Prevention Networks play an important role in enabling communities to build their own capacity to boost mental wellbeing, prevent suicide and develop postvention strategies. A key function of a Suicide Prevention Network is to raise awareness, increase conversations and help seeking, and break down stigma and discrimination.

The work of Suicide Prevention Networks is made possible through the efforts of passionate community volunteers who work to promote hope, wellbeing and social connection. The volunteers who make up each network know their communities well and bring a diversity of life experience to their role. The community approach recognises that communities are best placed to identify local issues and create local solutions.

There are currently more than 30 networks established across South Australia. Most of the networks are place based in metropolitan and regional areas across the state. A few of the networks are based on supporting priority populations and work across the state. You can find a Suicide Prevention Network near you via find a network.

The Suicide Prevention Council has a role in promoting the work of the networks, as detailed in the Suicide Prevention Act 2021. Suicide Prevention Networks are initiated by community, often in partnership with local government, with Preventive Health SA providing ongoing support. Wesley Mission also support a range of Wesley Lifeforce Suicide Prevention Networks across the state, for more information about these networks, please visit the Wesley Mission website or email lifeforcenetworks@wesleymission.org.au.