SPR30831 WLF SPA WhitePaper v12 - Flipbook - Page 29
Appendix
Impacts of COVID-19 Wesley LifeForce Suicide
Prevention Networks Survey
Survey results from Wesley LifeForce Suicide
Prevention Network members.
Demography
The following data was collected from 6 May to 12 May 2020. The survey contained 21
questions and elicited a maximum of 30 responses via a survey and an online webinar poll from
across 23 Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Networks. Sites surveyed included three major
cities, 13 regional, four remote and three very remote areas across Australia.
a. T
he distribution of survey participants as per their regional cluster is shown in the graph
below.
Tasmania
6.67%
10.00%
Northern Territory
6.67%
Western Australia
South Australia
3.33%
30.00%
Southern Queensland
6.67%
Northern Queensland
23.33%
Victoria
13.33%
NSW / ACT
b. R
espondents were asked to rate the impact on the following issues in their community as a
result of COVID-19 (n=30).
Mental health
and wellbeing
33.33%
Financial
wellbeing
33.33%
People's
employment
Alcohol and
drug use
Domestic
violence
10%
Strong negative impact
20%
30%
Negative impact
40%
Neutral
50%
60%
Positive impact
25.93%
29.63%
3.70%
11.11%
37.04%
22.22%
0%
11.11%
29.63%
25.93%
25.93%
3.70%
11.11%
11.11%
29.63%
22.22%
Suicide
14.81%
11.11%
14.81%
7.41%
33.33%
37.04%
7.41%
3.70%3.70%3.70%
48.15%
44.44%
Homelessness
11.11%
18.52%
11.11%
25.93%
40.74%
Grief and loss
3.70%3.70%
14.81%
44.44%
25.93%
3.70%
70%
Strong positive impact
80%
90%
100%
Don't really know
These results indicate that for each of the key issues, the majority of the respondents felt there
has been either a negative or strongly negative impact, indicating the need to explore the
intersection of these issues with increasing risk for worsening mental-health health outcomes
and suicidality.
Reducing distress in the community following the COVID-19 pandemic
June 2020
29