Presentation 1: A population-based longitudinal cohort study of suicidal distress: the LifeTrack Project, by Professor Phil Batterham

Abstract: Most people who experience suicidal thoughts do not attempt suicide, but there is limited evidence around the factors that influence transitions in and out of suicidal distress. Understanding causal pathways that underlie suicidal behaviour may lead to more effective and targeted approaches to prevention. The NHMRC-funded LifeTrack Project aims to address this evidence gap by surveying Australian adults with suicidal ideation every six months for three years to better understand trajectories of suicidal distress. The study recruited 923 adults from the general population who were experiencing recent suicidal thoughts, with 18 month assessments currently being conducted with retention rates over 80%. This presentation will detail the methodology of the study and summarise early findings, including testing the role of variability in suicidal thoughts, qualitative research on what helps people when they have suicidal thoughts, investigating the role of sleep on mental health, and testing whether interpersonal needs have a proximal influence on distress.

Bio: Phil is the Co-Head of the Centre for Mental Health Research in NCEPH. He is one of the leading Australian researchers in suicide prevention, with additional research interests in the implementation of digital interventions, development of better mental health assessments, and promotion of service use.

Presentation 2: Co-creating safe spaces: Innovative alternatives to the emergency department for people experiencing emotional distress and/or suicidal crisis, by Professor Michelle Banfield

Abstract: Safe spaces and safe havens are a recent, innovative introduction into our care system as non-clinical alternatives for people experiencing emotional distress and/or suicidal crisis. The Co-Creating Safe Spaces project, funded by Suicide Prevention Australia, aimed to create first evidence on the feasibility and effectiveness of six co-designed safe spaces across ACT, NSW and SA. We used the RE-AIM framework to understand the reach of the spaces in their communities, their effectiveness for people seeking help, their adoption into local health systems, implementation successes and challenges and long-term maintenance for the models. This presentation will provide a high-level overview of the key findings against each RE-AIM dimension and recommendations for the sustainability of the models.

Bio: Michelle leads the Lived Experience Research program at the Centre for Mental Health Research. She is a health services and systems researcher focused on how experiential evidence can be centred to evaluate and reform health.

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