Vital suicide prevention service expanded

An expansion of The Way Back Support Service in Brisbane North will see people who are discharged from Caboolture Hospital after attempting suicide receive personalised support and follow-up care.

The Australian Government announced an additional $1.2 million in March to expand Brisbane North PHN’s local trial of the service, which is delivered by Richmond Fellowship Queensland.

The additional Commonwealth investment will ensure the future sustainability of this service and increase its reach into the Caboolture region.

In a related announcement, the Queensland Government has set aside $7.5 million over four years in the State Budget to expand The Way Back Support Service across Queensland.

The Way Back Support Service, designed by beyondblue, operates locally from the Encircle Neighbourhood Centre in Redcliffe and supports people who are 15 years of age or older and have presented to hospital after a suicide attempt.

During a visit to the Neighbourhood Centre, Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth MP said he was delighted to be able to secure the extra funding for patients.

“The funding means Richmond Fellowship Queensland will continue to provide high quality one-on-one non-clinical and practical support to patients discharged from Redcliffe and Caboolture Hospital,” Mr Howarth said.

The great work of the Richmond Fellowship is about keeping people safe, connected to services and well-supported following discharge from hospital when they are most vulnerable,” he said.

Evidence shows that up to one quarter of those who attempt suicide will try again in the three months after leaving hospital.

Yet beyondblue advises more than half of those discharged from hospital receive no support or follow-up treatment.

The Way Back Support Service operates seven days a week, including after hours and on weekends, and support can be provided for up to three months.

To contact the service, call 1300 180 608.