ASPIRES: Suicide, Self-Harm and Overdose Prevention Plan

Every year people who come into contact with health services lose their lives to suicide and accidental overdose. Metro North Mental Health responded to growing evidence that healthcare systems can adopt practices that can have a significant impact on the prevention of suicide, self-harm, and overdoses.

In June 2022, Metro North Mental Health launched ASPIRES: Suicide, Self-Harm and Overdose Prevention Plan. The ASPIRES framework supports Metro North Mental Health to seek out and embed the best evidence-based approaches and compassionate care. It recognises the complex interplay between suicide, self-harm, substance use and overdose risk and highlights the value of targeting these issues together.

ASPIRES was co-designed with over 120 collaborators across Metro North Mental Health, the Brisbane North Primary Health Network, people with a lived experience, and Insight.

For Executive Director Metro North Mental Health Dr Kathryn Turner, ASPIRES is an ambitious plan that has been met with great enthusiasm from staff.

“ASPIRES is the approach that Mental Health are taking to improve the way we respond to and recognise and support people who present with concerns around suicide, self-harm and overdose. It is an evidence-based, prevention-oriented risk formulation that really looks at individuals and their complex stories,” Dr Turner said.

“ASPIRES also supports staff wellbeing by embedding a Restorative Just and Learning Culture (RJLC). We aim to facilitate healing for all who have been impacted by the loss of consumers or clients to suicide or overdose or other traumatic incidents, and promote trust, relationships and recovery for those affected.”

Central to ASPIRES is a learning package for staff, both clinical and non-clinical, providing an understanding of the ASPIRES Pathway and how to apply it in their area. Since February 2023, over 600 staff have completed the two-day training.

“As we continue to consolidate achievements from Phase 1 of the ASPIRES Plan, we will also turn to tailoring our responses for the specific needs of vulnerable groups such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, males, older person, members of the LGBTIQ community and those with co-occurring disorders,” Dr Turner said.