Belmont Alliance Against Depression

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Belmont Alliance Against Depression has joined a network of global and local European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD) partners to lead the implementation of the EAAD framework in the City of Belmont, Western Australia. The EAAD is an approach based on evaluated trials and is recognised as the world’s best practice for the care and treatment of people with depression and in the prevention of suicide. It is being adapted to meet the needs of the Belmont community.

The European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD)

The European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD) was established in 2004 with the main purpose to improve the care and treatment of people with depressive disorders and to prevent suicidal behaviour. The EAAD is a global network of clinicians, mental health experts, government agencies and regional alliances.

EAAD is global best practice for the care and treatment of depression and the reduction of suicide

The EAAD initiative consisting of 4 pillars of aligned and integrated interventions was implemented in the trial region of Nuremberg. The “Nuremberg Alliance Against Depression” showed a 24% reduction in suicidal acts within a two-year period reflecting the improved care of depressed people.

The EAAD 4-pillar framework

The EAAD is a cost-effective, community-led yet clinical framework. It is comprised of the following activities:

  • GP and Primary Mental Health Care training

  • Collaboration with community partners

  • Mental health training for community “gatekeepers”

  • Public awareness campaigns

  • Media training in safe reporting guidelines

  • Support for at-risk groups and their family and carers

  • Postvention planning

Successful implementation of the EAAD framework within a community requires the coordination and integration of initiatives occurring simultaneously within each of the 4-pillars.

A Position of Neutrality

The EAAD recommendation is that the successful implementation of a local Alliance requires it to be led from a position of neutrality. This enables discussions where all voices are equal, from those with lived experience of depression through to the healthcare professionals and organisations providing care and treatment.

The EAAD in the western australian context

Belmont Alliance Against Depression is supported by the Alliance Against Depression Coordination Centre at WA Primary Health Alliance. The Coordination Centre liaises regularly with the EAAD organisation in Germany, sharing learning from local Alliance implementation in Western Australian communities.

The EAAD in its global context

The EAAD’s 4-level/pillar approach as outlined in the “European Alliance Against Depression: How to implement a 4-level community-based intervention targeting depression and suicidal behaviour” handbook forms the basis of the “World Health Organization (‎2018)‎ - Preventing suicide: a community engagement toolkit”.

The EAAD coordination centre in Germany now supports approximately 100 regional networks globally.