Executive summaryWesley Mission, through interviews with its specialist homelessnessservice, has identified that changes to the safe housing arrangementsfor people experiencing homelessness are likely to impact theirwellbeing. The shift to hotel-style accommodation and back to formerhostel arrangements will disrupt the lives of an already vulnerablepopulation; in addition to those Australians who may become homeless ifthe economic downturn continues in the medium term. We ask thegovernment to take up the recommendation of the recent Draft Report ofthe Productivity Commission Inquiry into the Mental Health Commissionand consider investment in long-term, safe, affordable housing so thatAustralians who lack the security of a place to call home have optionsavailable to them.The Australian Government has already shown significant leadership inupscaling support for victims of domestic violence. There are reportsfrom leading domestic and family violence organisations, includingWesley Mission’s operations on the ground, that social distancingmeasures have exacerbated the conditions that increase risk forvictims of domestic and family violence, and the AustralianGovernment’s investment is a step in the right direction. More needs to bedone however, to support workers in this challenging field to recognisethe signs where families may be at risk of suicidal behaviours. We call onthe Australian Government to consider an investment in targeted suicideprevention training for these frontline personnel, in addition to other keytouchpoints for vulnerable members of the community.Finally, the media plays a significant role in informing the communityabout the developing COVID-19 situation. There is a strong publicinterest in transparent, factual information concerning COVID-19.However, our independently commissioned analysis of media sentimenthas found coverage, particularly concerning the relationship between thepandemic response and suicidality, has at times been alarmist.We encourage the Australian Government to continue widely promotingits fact-based sources of information on COVID-19, while informing themedia of its role in safe reporting and language use concerning suicide.We welcome the proactive response taken by governments acrossAustralia to COVID-19: an unprecedented disruption in our economy,society and way of life. We hope that this report provides a usefulsnapshot of some of the considerations that will prove to be important asgovernments consider the mental health and suicide prevention aspectsof their recovery effort.Together, we can achieve a world without suicide.Reducing distress in the community following the COVID-19 pandemicJune 20206
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