New service offers safer Way Back after suicide attempts

A NEW specialist suicide support centre has been launched on the Gold Coast, to help those in need of support once they leave hospital.

The Way Back Support Service, officially launched in Robina on Wednesday, will provide three months of support in the critical period after someone has attempted suicide. When individuals are discharged from hospital following a suicide attempt or crisis, they can be entered into the program to keep connected with others and to access health and community services as part of their recovery.

A Support Facilitator will then guide the participant through their recovery, including helping build a personalised safety plan and linking them to health and community services, as well as clinical care if needed.

The service, designed by Beyond Blue, will be delivered by Wesley Mission Queensland. It was commissioned by Gold Coast Primary Health Network and funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Queensland Health.

Beyond Blue’s chief services officer Alastair Stott said The

Way Back provides critical support for people after they leave hospital.

“The Way Back addresses a significant value in the current service system and eases people’s distress by guiding them towards the right support and informing them about how to stay safe,” Mr Stott said.

“Support Facilitators provide people with practical support for improving their situation so they can find their way back to recovery.”

Gold Coast Primary Health Network chief executive Matt Carrodus said the program was life-changing and life-saving.

Those who have presented or been discharged from either Robina or Gold Coast University Hospitals are eligible to receive the service. Referrals must be made by Gold Coast Health’s acute care team.