The Department of Human Services (DHS) has released its first Suicide Prevention Action Plan, as part of a broader whole-of-government approach to suicide prevention in South Australia.

This plan has been developed in consultation with DHS staff, community members, people with lived experience, and a range of organisations and stakeholders. DHS is one of ten South Australian government agencies developing individual Suicide Prevention Action Plans.

Supporting the statewide Suicide Prevention Strategy

The agency-level action plans contribute directly to the goals outlined in the South Australian Suicide Prevention Plan 2023–2026, a coordinated effort aimed at reducing the number of lives lost to suicide and supporting people who are impacted.

DHS’s plan focuses on improving wellbeing both for our workforce and for the individuals and communities we support. It includes actions to embed a culture of care, increase awareness, and improve service responses for those affected by suicidal distress.

Shaped by the voices of lived experience

The development of the DHS Suicide Prevention Action Plan was guided by input from a diverse range of voices, especially people with lived experience of suicide. Their insights have been vital in shaping actions that are practical, compassionate, and meaningful.

We thank everyone who contributed to the consultation process and helped ensure this plan reflects real needs and priorities.

All feedback was carefully considered, and a YourSAy Consultation Report outlining , what we heard is now available on the DHS website, and on the YourSAY consultation page.

Learn more

Find out more about the action we are taking and read the final DHS Suicide Prevention Action plan.

For more information or to make an enquiry, please contact the DHS Social Inclusion Policy and Partnerships team at dhs.socialinclusion@sa.gov.au.