Suicide prevention app launches

Monash University has joined forces with beyondblue to develop a smartphone app and website that aim to keep people safe when they have suicidal thoughts.

The free BeyondNow app, developed with funding from the Movember Foundation, shows people how to create a plan to refer to when they are experiencing suicidal thoughts or are in a crisis.

Dr Glenn Melvin, senior lecturer and clinical psychologist at Monash University’s Centre for Developmental Psychiatry & Psychology said the app documents a series of steps a person can use to keep themselves safe when they have suicidal thoughts.

“It starts with things they can do themselves, then moves on to people they can contact for support," he said. "All this information is with them constantly on their phone and they can access it privately."

Chief executive of beyondblue Jeff Kennett said a tool like BeyondNow has been needed for a long time.

“We know that having access to a safety plan in crisis situations can save lives," Kennett said. "Now, we’ve used technology to convert written suicide safety plans, which have been used successfully with American service veterans, into a free app.

“I hope that men, in particular, will work with their GPs, psychologists, psychiatrists and carers to personalise the safety plan on the BeyondNow app and refer to it when they feel at risk of harming themselves,” he said.

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