The Defence SafeSide Project was introduced to FMHC in 2023, and the initiative has continued to build upon Defence’s existing Suicide Prevention Program over the past 12 months. In this session, leaders from the Mental Health and Wellbeing Branch and SafeSide Prevention will provide an update on co-design of training, policy and the implementation of this project.

Co-design through engaged leadership and lived experience consultation was crucial to the development of the storyboards and scripts for the learning customisation phase and development of policy. Defence has moved from risk stratification to safety planning using the SafeSide Framework for Recovery-Oriented Suicide Prevention. This shift is a cultural transformational opportunity for the Defence Enterprise.
The Defence SafeSide project enhances our Suicide Prevention Program (SPP), focussing on the creation of a common language to enhance a culture of support and safety with prevention focussed policy that aligns with the development of fully customised training and education. The voices of lived experience underpin the key learnings and messages that shape the Defence suicide prevention narrative.

The SafeSide Framework not only aligns with current best practices but is consistent with the national agenda for suicide prevention in Australia.