Wider Determinants of Mental Health and Suicide Project (21 May)

ATM

Wider Determinants of Mental Health and Suicide Project

Client

Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Closing Date and Time

21 May 2026

Background

 Mental health and suicide outcomes are shaped by interconnected social, commercial, environmental, structural, economic, cultural, biomedical and digital determinants operating across the life course. While recognitions of upstream drivers are increasing, the evidence base remains fragmented and uneven across determinant domains. The National Preventive Health Strategy 2021–2030 (NPHS) and the Measuring What Matters Framework emphasise prevention and wellbeing, yet mental health is not fully embedded in upstream policy approaches. The National Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025-2035 addresses how a range of wider determinants influence health from a suicide and suicidal distress perspective. However, it does not expand on the specific role commercial determinants play in suicide prevention. 

There is no integrated framework that clearly articulates:

1. how determinants interact
2. the strength of evidence within and across domains
3. pathways linking determinants to physical health, mental health and suicide prevention outcomes
4. policy and governance levers across sectors

Scope of Work

1.Develop a whole-of-health conceptual model (e.g. Theory of Change, logic model, systems map or equivalent framework)

2. Produce eight evidence briefs covering social, commercial, environmental, biomedical, structural, digital, economic and cultural determinants

3. Develop a comprehensive policy paper

Evaluation Criteria

Budget

To be quoted.