A Beyond Blue suicide prevention service is being launched in Mount Isa to support recovery after a suicide attempt or suicidal crisis.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Way Back Support Service, which will be available in April 2021, provides support during the critical three-month period following a suicide attempt or suicidal crisis.
In Mount Isa, The Way Back will be delivered by mental health not-for-profit group Selectability, in collaboration with the Western Queensland Primary Health Network, Beyond Blue and referring teams at the North West Hospital and Health Service.
The Way Back is jointly funded by Queensland Health and the Commonwealth Department of Health and people referred from the Mount Isa Hospital to The Way Back are assigned a Support Coordinator to guide them through their recovery.
Coordinators offer non-clinical care such as helping build a personalised safety plan, links to health and community services, and clinical care if needed.
Beyond Blue Chief Services Officer, Alastair Stott, said The Way Back provided critical support for people after they leave hospital.
"The Way Back addresses a significant gap 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.
WQPHN CEO Sandy Gillies said The Way Back support coordinators would provide people with the practical support on their road to recovery.
Selectability CEO, Debra Burden called it a vital service.
"This innovative program will help further Selectability's commitment to improving the mental wellbeing of regional Queenslanders and contributing to suicide prevention," Ms Burden said.
While you are here, subscribe to our email delivered to your inbox every Tuesday and Friday.
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
