Investigators
Dr Penelope Strauss, A/Prof Yael Perry, Rikki Battersby-Coulter, Julia Bak, Kirsty Hird
Project description
LGBTQA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and/or gender diverse, queer/questioning, asexual and other diverse sexualities and genders) young people (aged 14-25) are at high risk of suicide. Various studies have estimated LGBTQA+ young people to be between two to six times as likely to report thinking about suicide, engaging in suicidal behaviour and/or having made a suicide attempt, compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. Previous research with LGBTQA+ young people indicates healthcare professionals often lack specific training on how to support the mental health needs of this population, particularly in the context of suicide prevention.
This project aims to implement LGBTQA+ youth suicide prevention guidelines in clinical and community services in Western Australia. These guidelines were developed using the Delphi consensus method and were launched in 2022.
We are developing a training program which we will deliver to community and clinical service providers in WA. An evaluation will be conducted to determine the effectiveness of this training program.
Funders
Raine Medical Research Foundation