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Suicide prevention

Why suicide prevention matters in the NT

Suicide prevention remains an important priority in the NT, particularly in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. In 2025, the NT recorded an age-standardised suicide rate of 18.6 deaths per 100,000 people, compared with 11.6 nationally.

In many parts of the Territory, timely access to mental health support is hindered by remoteness, workforce shortages, service gaps, difficulties navigating complex systems and a lack of culturally sensitive or community-led care.  

Standard clinical approaches often do not align with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concepts of social, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing. Preventing suicide goes beyond immediate crisis response. Lasting change depends on building inclusive, resilient communities in which individuals feel safe, connected, supported and valued. This means embedding prevention into everyday life, including strengthening social relationships, cultural identity, local leadership, belonging and community wellbeing.

Our approach 

NT PHN commissions suicide prevention programs that are guided by: 

  • community-led solutions; placing Aboriginal voices, lived experience, and local priorities at the centre
  • social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB); recognising the holistic view of health that includes connection to culture, land, spirituality, family, and community
  • the Stepped Care model; ensuring that people can access the right level of support, from early intervention and peer support through to clinical and crisis services. “Right level of support based on their level of need” 
  • collaboration and partnerships; working with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, NT Health, local organisations, and national programs to strengthen support systems. 

Our commitment

Suicide prevention requires collective action. At NT PHN, we are committed to: 

  • building a stronger, more connected mental health system 
  • reducing suicide rates across the Territory through prevention, early intervention and recovery-focused supports
  • ensuring services are safe, accessible and trauma-informed, particularly for people in remote and regional communities
  • supporting communities to lead their own solutions, building on cultural knowledge, lived experience and local strengths
  • creating a stronger, more connected mental health system that links primary care, specialist services and community supports.

Suicide prevention programs we commission

  • Support for people who have attempted suicide or experienced a suicidal crisis. Aftercare provides follow-up contact, safety planning, and connection to ongoing support to reduce the risk of repeat attempts. 

  • Locally designed programs that build resilience, provide education, and strengthen protective factors, particularly in Aboriginal communities where cultural healing and connection are central. 

  • Co-designed, delivered and evaluated suicide prevention activities that are locally relevant, culturally safe and community-led. The program builds community capacity to respond to distress, strengthen protective factors, and reduce suicide risk. 

  • Programs led by people with lived experience of suicide, providing peer support and hope to others while informing service design and delivery. 

  • Specialised support for families, friends, and communities who have been bereaved by suicide, helping reduce the risk of further harm and supporting healing. 

  • Initiatives such as safeTALK, ASIST, and culturally adapted training programs to upskill community members, frontline workers, and service providers to recognise signs of distress and provide appropriate support

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