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Including lived experience in suicide prevention

Historic Lived Experience Guiding Principles

Guiding principles on the inclusion of lived experience in suicide prevention

Suicide Prevention Australia developed the following guiding principles at a lived experience symposium in 2014. Bronwen Edwards, founder of Roses in the Ocean, was one of 35 lived experience participants at the symposium and played a part in shaping the guiding principles.

We draw on these principles to guide our activities:

  • People with a lived experience have a valuable, unique and legitimate role in suicide prevention
  • Lived experience helps change the culture surrounding suicide and to preserve and promote life through compassion and understanding
  • Inclusion and embracing diversity of individuals, communities and cultures enriches suicide prevention
  • Empower and support those with lived experience to share their insights and stories with a view to preventing suicide
  • Utilise our lived experience to educate, promote resilience, inspire others and instil hope
  • People with lived experience support, advocate for and contribute to research, evidence-based practice and evaluation
  • All suicide prevention programs, policies, strategies and services will at all levels include genuine meaningful participation from those with lived experience
  • Encourage and nurture collaboration and partnerships between organisations and stakeholders