What Works in Community-Led Suicide Prevention: Perspectives of Wesley LifeForce Network Coordinators

Lennart Reifels, Amy Morgan, Lay San Too, Marisa Schlichthorst, Michelle Williamson and Helen Jordan
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Lennart Reifels: Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3010, Australia
Amy Morgan: Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3010, Australia
Lay San Too: Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3010, Australia
Marisa Schlichthorst: Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3010, Australia
Michelle Williamson: Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3010, Australia
Helen Jordan: Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3010, Australia

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 11, 1-14

Abstract: Community coalitions have been recognised as an important vehicle to advance health promotion and address relevant local health issues in communities, yet little is known about their effectiveness in the field of suicide prevention. The Wesley Lifeforce Suicide Prevention Networks program consists of a national cohort of local community-led suicide prevention networks. This study drew on a nationally representative survey and the perspectives of coordinators of these networks to identify the key factors underpinning positive perceived network member and community outcomes. Survey data were analysed through descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses. Networks typically reported better outcomes for network members and communities if they had been in existence for longer, had a focus on the general community, and had conducted more network meetings and internal processes, as well as specific community-focused activities. Study findings strengthen the evidence base for effective network operations and lend further support to the merit of community coalitions in the field of suicide prevention, with implications for similar initiatives, policymakers, and wider sector stakeholders seeking to address suicide prevention issues at a local community level.

Keywords: suicide; suicide prevention; community coalitions; community networks (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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