Young people in rural communities face a higher risk of suicide, yet research on prevention in these settings is limited. Australian Rotary Health/Rotary Club of Deloraine, TAS Funding Partner PhD Scholarship recipient, Laura Grattidge, examined suicide prevention programs in rural areas focusing on young people, community involvement, and the support needed for local action.

The research revealed that effective suicide prevention relies on a range of community-led approaches. Key strategies include mental health education, crisis intervention, peer support, safe environments, and training community members with the skills to identify and respond to suicide risk. The most effective programs are those led by the community itself, actively involving young people, teachers, healthcare professionals, parents, and even farmers in supporting youth mental health.

A significant challenge in rural areas is the limited access to professional mental health services, which makes community engagement crucial. The findings indicate that when communities take an active role in prevention – through education, peer support, and social connections – young people are more likely to seek and receive the help they need. To enhance these efforts, rural communities require greater funding, resources, training, and clear frameworks to build and maintain their own support initiatives.

A key recommendation is to develop Best Practice Guidelines for Rural Youth Suicide Prevention, providing communities with clear, actionable steps to establish and sustain effective prevention programs. Across all findings, the active involvement of young people and individuals with lived experience is essential to ensure prevention strategies effectively reach those most at risk.

Ultimately, preventing youth suicide in rural areas extends beyond access to mental health services – it relies on communities uniting to build strong support systems, nurture meaningful connections, and create safe, inclusive spaces where young people feel valued and supported.

Media contact: [email protected]       First published 15th April 2025

Graphic acknowledgement: FreePik.com