Suicide prevention services in the Riverina have been given a $800,000 boost, with the establishment of an innovative new program.
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Funded by the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) and delivered by not-for-profit mental health organisation, Wellways Australia, the program will support people for up to three months following a suicide attempt.
The Way Back Support Service will offer specialised one-on-one practical support.
Wellways will employ six full-time support co-ordinators to work throughout Murrumbidgee to deliver the new service.
It has also been funded to work with local communities to develop and implement community-based suicide prevention, awareness and education initiatives.
MPHN chief executive officer James Lamerton said MPHN wanted to drive positive outcomes to reduce the impact of suicide in the region.
“MPHN is committed to making this partnership, with such impressive and dynamic organisations, a success,” Mr Lamerton said.
“Our communities have, for far too long, suffered the pain of loss to suicide and this partnership is determined to begin the recovery journey.
“This forms part of the Australian Government’s commitment to mental health and suicide prevention.”
Georgie Harman, beyondblue’s chief executive officer, said the new Murrumbidgee area service at this stage provides support for an initial three months.
“Nationally more than half the people discharged from hospital following a suicide attempt receive no follow-up support or treatment – but The Way Back Support Service fills that gap,” Ms Harman said.
“It supports people to find their way back to living, to manage the things in their lives that are causing pain, and to find the motivation to engage with follow-up treatment and re-establish what hope looks like for them.”
If you need help, you can call beyondblue on 1300 224 636; Lifeline on 13 11 14; or the Kids Help Line on 1800 551 800.