Objective: This presentation details the process followed to create a place-based suicide prevention community action plan that reflects the voices and aspirations of a specific community. This example was in relationship with the community in Kowanyama.
It demonstrates the principles of community development remaining true to a process led by the community itself.
Methodology: Life Promotion and Suicide Prevention FNQ engaged with community leaders and members through a series of visits that built strong relationships and trust. The plan's development centered on community leadership, shared responsibility, and local ownership.
It also focussed on a key question: What does a good life (in Kowanyama) look like?
Key Strategies Included:
- Community Engagement: Actively participating in events and being present in local spaces.
- Listening and Learning: Open conversations providing opportunities to share personal stories which shaped the plan and resources.
- Consistent Communication: Maintaining continuous dialogue with community members.
Process: The collaborative approach involved:
- Community Engagement: Connecting with people through informal meetings and structured events including visibility in the community—at shops and local events.
- Community Visits: Holding gatherings in accessible spaces where people already gather, rather than traditional service settings. Before each meeting, asking how and where to hold it, and what style would work best, remaining open to community preferences and avoiding assumptions.
- Observational Learning: Spending time in the community to understand its context and dynamics, ensuring the plan reflected the community’s perspective. Updates through visual minutes kept the community informed and engaged.
Key Principles: The initiative adhered to several core principles:
- Community-Led and owned: The process was guided by local leadership, with the work owned and led by the community.
- Respect and Reciprocity: Engaging relationships that prioritise genuine connection and mutual respect.
- Clarity of Offering: Being clear about what could be offered and how it would be delivered.
- Resisting Taking the Lead: The process was driven by the community, allowing locals to guide the approach.
- Openness and Agility: Remaining flexible and responsive to how and when the people wish to share their stories.
- Capacity Building: Focusing on community capacity building through training.
Conclusion: This presentation highlights how being open and avoiding assumptions enabled Life Promotion and Suicide Prevention FNQ to draft a plan and resources that reflect the strengths of the people of Kowanyama. The resources emphasise activities that foster enjoyment, build connections, and deepen ties to culture and land.
Importantly, the plan and resources are owned by the community.