News

Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) is proud to announce that The Way Back Support Service contract for the Broken Hill area has been awarded to Mission Australia.

The Way Back is designed to increase access to and engagement with community-based care to help prevent further suicidal behaviour or self-harm for individuals following a suicide attempt or suicidal crisis. The Way Back, developed by Beyond Blue, provides access to up to three months of follow up and psychosocial, non-clinical support in the community. The program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Government Towards Zero Suicide initiatives.

WNSW PHN Acting CEO, Robert Strickland, says The Way Back will make a tremendously positive impact in Broken Hill.

“The Way Back Support Service designed by Beyond Blue has already shown in other communities its amazing impact in the lives of individuals, helping people address their personal priorities, no matter their situation, and getting their lives back on track.”

Mr Strickland added, “While we received a number of wonderful submissions for this contract, we’re confident that Mission Australia is the best choice for establishing and rolling out the Way Back Support Service in Broken Hill given its extremely strong track record in the provision of support services in Far West NSW.”

Mission Australia Area Manager, Jenna Bottrell said people facing mental health concerns who have attempted suicide or experienced a suicidal crisis through periods of critical risk need tailored assistance.

“Mission Australia is pleased to be able to offer this much-needed support and assistance to members of the Broken Hill community. “

She added, “Offering these tailored services is an important step towards ensuring evidence-based universal mental health prevention and intervention programs are available to everyone, regardless of where they live.”

Beyond Blue Chief Services Officer, Alastair Stott, said The Way Back provides practical support for people for up to three months after they leave hospital.
“People who have attempted suicide often experience severe distress in the days and weeks afterwards and are at high risk of attempting again,” Mr Stott said.

“The Way Back addresses a significant gap in the current service system and eases this distress by guiding them towards the right support and informing them about how to stay safe.”

“The Way Back Support Service will complement existing services aimed at reducing the suicide rates, including the Safe Haven Café and the Suicide Prevention Outreach Team (SPOT). Far West LHD looks forward to partnering with Mission Australia to support and deliver these much-needed services in our area,” said Christy McManus, Far West Local Health District Towards Zero Suicides Co-ordinator, Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol.

Follow-up immediately after discharge represents an opportunity to provide much-needed treatment and support to individuals, family, and caregivers
More information on the Beyond Blue Way Back Support Service is available online at https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/suicide-prevention/after-a-suicide-attempt/the-way-back-support-service.

Anyone who is experiencing personal difficulties, or has concerns for a loved one, is encouraged to seek help via specialised mental health services, including Lifeline, on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue, on 1300 22 4636 or by visiting beyondblue.org.au.