A Charter that supports council's and communities to safely talk about suicide and mental ill-health

The Northern Beaches and Maitland City Councils have both recently demonstrated their commitment to mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention by signing The National Communications Charter (The Charter).

The Northern Beaches Council held an event on 10th September to recognise World Suicide Prevention Day and to sign The Charter. This event marked their commitment to use respectful and positive language, to share information and resources relevant to mental health and suicide prevention and to support other organisations incorporate clear and consistent messaging in community based activities.

Maitland City Council also highlighted the need for a unified response to mental health, wellbeing and suicide by signing The Charter prior to the Council Meeting on 24th September.

Mayor Loretta Baker led the way by signing on behalf of the Council, which was backed by a number of Councillors who also pledged their support through signing as individuals.

Everymind Project Lead, Simon Pont said the two Council signing events show a whole of community approach to mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention.

"By signing The Charter, each Council has highlighted the impact that stigma, language and poor responses may have on people seeking help and has cemented their commitment to promoting a strengths-based, collaborative approach for addressing mental ill-health and suicide within their communities," said Mr. Pont.

The Charter’s principles and key messages provide a framework that can guide the planning and implementation of mental health and suicide prevention strategies.

Find out more information or to sign The Charter, visit: