StandBy Support After Suicide has announced a new partnership with Jesuit Social Services to provide post-suicide support across four new regions in Victoria.
The partnership will ensure that all Victorians, throughout metropolitan, rural, and remote areas of the state can now access support for those bereaved or impacted by suicide at no cost.
As part of StandBy’s national expansion, Jesuit Social Services will deliver StandBy throughout four Primary Health Network (PHN) regions: Gippsland, North Western Melbourne, South Eastern Melbourne, and Eastern Melbourne.
This new arrangement, alongside existing services in Western Victoria and the Murray region operated by StandBy partner Wellways, will achieve state-wide support for people bereaved by suicide in Victoria for the very first time.
StandBy is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing free face-to-face and/or telephone support at a time and place that is best for each individual, group or workplace.
StandBy general manager Karen Phillips says StandBy is well-known in regional Victoria and they’re excited to expand services into Melbourne and Gippsland.
“StandBy has been supporting families, loved ones, witnesses, first responders and communities impacted by suicide for almost two decades. We partner with organisations, local communities and well-respected service providers such as Jesuit Social Services right across Australia,” Ms Phillips said.
“The grief that follows suicide is complex, and from one suicide up to 135 people may be impacted. We’re proud to be able to offer support to all Victorians, thanks to this newly formed agreement.
“Those that are bereaved or impacted by suicide are at a greater risk of suicide themselves, and our focus is to provide a range of support to anyone that may be impacted, including emotional and practical support to young people, children, schools and workplaces.
“We’ve had a collaborative relationship with Jesuit Social Services over many years with each program making referrals to the other; more recently we’re working together in a consortium arrangement in NSW,” she said.
Dr Louise Flynn, Support After Suicide manager said Jesuit Social Services have delivered Support After Suicide since 2004, including counselling, group support and online resources for people left behind after a loved one has taken their own life.
“We know that post-suicide support plays a critical role in any strong and effective mental health service system,” Dr Flynn said.
“We are pleased to partner with StandBy to be able to ensure that all Victorians bereaved by the loss of a loved one can access the support they need in their local community,” she said.
An independent study by the Science of Knowing found people supported by StandBy reported significantly lower levels of suicidality and loneliness than people who did not receive StandBy support.
The delivery of StandBy throughout Victoria is part of the Commonwealth Government’s commitment to make support services available for every Australian who is bereaved or impacted by suicide.
For more information about StandBy visit the website www.standbysupport.com.au
If you, or someone you know, needs immediate support please call Lifeline 13 11 14 or 000.
StandBy – an initiative funded by the Australian Government.
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Media contact
Louise Gleeson
M: 0475 577 711
E: louise.gleeson@standbysupport.com.au
