RISE UP AUSTRALIA PARTY believes in the intrinsic and equal value of all human life and that all life has purpose.
‘When a person lacks context they don’t see purpose. If they do not see their life with meaning they lack hope.’ ⁽¹⁾

RUAP’s policy on SUICIDE seeks to re-establish purpose and hope.

RUAP also believes in the value of community and outward focus for inward well-being.

RISE UP AUSTRALIA PARTY policy on DEPRESSION creates a basis for RISE UP AUSTRALIA PARTY policy on SUICIDE. (Please read Depression policy)

DEPRESSION POLICY has a seven-faceted approach overview where attention is needed, (please read Depression Policy for full descriptions):

1. ACCESS TO PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE with a high focus on Community Connectors, drawing on our rich resource of Senior citizens as a priority.  Continue with offering Mental Health Plan, 10 free visits with introduction of subsidised sequential visits.  Greater focus on a person’s community inclusion and planning for the future, with a high focus on HOPE.
2.  FOCUS ON HEALTH, NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.
3. IMMIGRANTS.  Access to community connectors and basic English pre-requisite for entry.
4. SCHOOL PROGRAM/ EDUCATIONAL APPROACH, TRAINING.
5. INCREASED FUNDING.
6. FOCUS ON VOLUNTEERISM
7. HELP FOR THE HELP
FURTHER POINTS TO SUICIDE POLICY:

A. FOCUS ON STABILITY
Family/Home Unit: Recognising the value of a stable home environment, RISE UP AUSTRALIA PARTY believes that this is the best chance for an individual to be kept from increased risk of suicide.

B. RELATIONSHIPS/CC’s, (Community Connector): Where possible, an individual should be encouraged to have a relationship and or friendship with an individual who is aware of their suicidal thoughts.

When there is no relationship indicated or possible at a given time, that a CC be issued to them to establish a stable relationship and help them on their pathway of recovery.  CC’s can be issued through various already established organisations

1. INTERVENTION:
   Persons in high risk suicide crisis require a 24/7 care with a:
   1.) Focus on the first 7 days for option of ongoing 24/7 companionship.
   2.) During this seven day period, CC’s should wear casual and non-professional clothes
   3.) CC’s should establish a listening ear and/or presence of quiet companionship (times of quiet if the client does not want to talk).
   4.) CC should have access to person’s other professional carers (eg. Psychiatrists, counsellors) with regard to information sharing to assist in person’s recovery and/or should a crisis ensue. (Excerpt from ‘Professional Assistance’ in Depression policy)E. SUICIDE ANONYMOUS established for at-risk Persons.

This Suicide-specific program similar to ‘Alcoholics Anonymous’.

Quote: “Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.” ⁽²⁾
References:

⁽¹⁾ Shane Varcoe, The Dalgarno Institute

⁽²⁾ Christopher Reeve, (lostallhope.com)