The project, Research into the Provision of Suicide Prevention Services in the South West, delivered its report to the State Health Minister earlier this year.  Dr Graham Fisher initiated this project over two years ago and was responsible for recruiting its research management committee, which comprised representatives from mental health service providers across the region. These came from education, the Health Department, service providers to youth at risk and other relevant community groups.
Dr Fisher has been a key element of the management committee, has ensured that they have stayed “on task” throughout the project and has played a “hands on” role with the principal researcher.  He has been responsible for reviewing the extensive report and compressing it into a readable document which can be understood by most laypersons. A more comprehensive version has been presented to the State Health Minister and to the Commissioner for Mental Health. The report is contributing to the development of mental health policy for the region and Dr Fisher continues to play an active part in the dissemination of information from the research report. The local Mental Health Commissioner identified this project as having a major influence on identifying where local groups could work successfully together.
The project has benefitted everyone  involved with the provision of mental health services to the South West community including youth at risk, school youth councillors, GP’s, the Mental Health Commisioner, rural health providers and many others.

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