First-ever National Suicide Prevention Strategy White Paper on World Suicide Prevention Day

SINGAPORE: In a significant step towards addressing the pressing issue of suicide in Singapore, a community-led initiative will unveil the country’s first-ever White Paper on National Suicide Prevention Strategy on 10 September 2024, aligning with World Suicide Prevention Day. The event is set to take place at the National University of Singapore’s Tahir Foundation Building from 8.30 am to 11.30 am.

The White Paper, a product of Project Hayat (‘life’ in Malay), represents a year-long collaborative effort by a diverse working group consisting of policymakers, mental health experts, researchers, community leaders, religious figures, corporate executives, media representatives, and individuals affected by suicide. The initiative was launched on 10 September 2023, with the ambitious goal of presenting a comprehensive strategy within a year.

The White Paper is informed by extensive research, including:

• Stakeholder interviews with 13 experts from nine countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, offering insights from their national suicide prevention strategies.
• Focus group discussions with 14 different communities, including suicide survivors, mental health professionals, youth, educators, and members of at-risk groups such as the LGBTQ+ community.
• Public consultations involving 506 participants representing Singapore’s demographic diversity, who contributed over 4,500 perspectives and suggestions.

The White Paper’s recommendations, encapsulated in the S.A.V.E L.I.V.E.S framework, are the first of their kind in Singapore, aiming to provide a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention.

The launch event is expected to draw significant attention from various sectors, including government officials, mental health advocates, educators, and the general public. Given the limited seating, interested participants are encouraged to register early.

Members of the SGMHM community, along with anyone committed to mental health and suicide prevention, are invited to join this significant dialogue and networking event. The event is free, but seating is limited, so early registration at bit.ly/projecthayat is encouraged.