09 September 2026
Thursday 10 September is World Suicide Prevention Day, a global day to remember those we have lost, raise awareness of suicide prevention and encourage open, compassionate conversations about suicide.
World Suicide Prevention Day reminds us that small conversations can have a big impact. By starting the conversation, listening with compassion and connecting people to support, we can help create a community where no one faces suicidal distress alone.
This year marks the third and final year of the World Suicide Prevention Day theme, ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide‘, with the call to action; Start the Conversation.
Changing the narrative means reducing stigma, increasing understanding and creating environments where people feel ok to seek support when they need it. Sometimes, a simple conversation can make a meaningful difference.
Starting the conversation is about more than asking someone how they are. It is about listening without judgement, showing genuine care, and helping people connect with the support they need. It is also about building a health system and community where people experiencing distress can access timely, compassionate and coordinated care.
Suicide prevention in eastern and north-eastern Melbourne
At EMPHN, we work alongside healthcare providers, community organisations, people with lived and living experience, and system partners to strengthen suicide prevention and postvention across eastern and north-eastern Melbourne. Our approach is informed by national and Victorian suicide prevention strategies and focuses on building a compassionate, connected system of care.
Our work includes:
- Supporting people experiencing suicidal distress through commissioned mental health and suicide prevention services.
- Strengthening coordination between health, community and social support services.
- Supporting families, friends and communities impacted by suicide through postvention services and resources.
- Working with local communities to identify service gaps and improve access to support.
- Investing in evidence-informed approaches that strengthen regional suicide prevention capability and collaboration.
A key part of this work is supporting communities after a suicide. EMPHN has partnered with the University of Melbourne and sector experts to develop Australia’s first comprehensive implementation framework for Postvention Protocol Response Groups. Informed by expert consensus, it provides guidance on the coordination of timely responses to impacted communities following a suspected suicide.
We also continue to support access to specialised bereavement services, including Support After Suicide, which provides free counselling, peer support and resources for people impacted by suicide.
We all have a role to play
Suicide prevention is everyone’s business.
This World Suicide Prevention Day, we encourage our community to help change the narrative by checking in with friends, family members, colleagues and neighbours. By making space for honest conversations, listening with compassion and encouraging people to seek support, we can all contribute to a more connected and supportive community.
Support is available
If you or someone you know needs support, help is available:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 (Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 (Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- Medicare Mental Health: Call 1800 595 212 or visit medicarementalhealth.gov.au for free mental health support and guidance.
- Emergency assistance: If someone’s life is in immediate danger, call 000.
