StandBy Support After Suicide (StandBy) welcomes the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Suicide Prevention Framework 2025–2031 (the Framework) and its recognition of postvention as a foundational pillar in suicide prevention for veterans and their families.
The Framework calls for more comprehensive support for those bereaved and impacted by suicide. It is a meaningful step towards recognising the essential role of postvention in supporting those impacted by suicide and preventing further loss.
StandBy recognises the unique challenges of military service, and the profound impact a veteran’s suicide can have, not only on families and friends, but also on the wider veteran and defence communities. We remain deeply committed to ensuring that all Australians have access to timely, compassionate, and tailored postvention support, honouring the service of those lost and supporting those impacted.
StandBy is a national program of Youturn, established more than 20 years ago to provide dedicated support to people and communities bereaved or impacted by suicide.
Youturn Chief Executive Officer James Blevin says he welcomes the Framework’s dedication to veteran suicide prevention and recognition of postvention.
“We know that veterans and their families face distinct and often complex challenges in the aftermath of suicide. By placing postvention at the heart of the Framework, DVA is sending a clear message that those bereaved by suicide, especially within the veteran community, deserve tailored and responsive postvention support.”
“We’re committed to working alongside DVA and those with lived experience to ensure this support honours their service and experiences,” Mr Blevin said.
The Framework calls for the development of comprehensive postvention resources that are culturally appropriate, accessible, and shaped by lived experience. With over 20 years of experience leading postvention service delivery across Australia, StandBy is committed to working in partnership with DVA, Defence, and community stakeholders to develop postvention resources that reflect the experiences of veterans and their families.
StandBy’s Lived Experience Development and Advocacy Lead, Kristy Steenhuis, reflects on the central role of lived experience throughout the Framework.
“As someone with lived experience of suicide bereavement, I know how vital it is to feel seen, heard, and supported. The Framework’s emphasis on postvention and lived experience acknowledges the deep and lasting impact suicide has on families and communities. It’s encouraging to see DVA prioritising resources and pathways that are shaped by those who’ve walked this journey,” Ms Steenhuis said.
Key postvention priorities outlined in the Framework include:
- Development of a suite of postvention resources in collaboration with stakeholders
- Building capacity in the community sector to understand military culture and the unique experiences that shape their bereavement
- Strengthening referral pathways so veterans can access timely and appropriate postvention support
- Promoting suicide-safe language and reducing stigma to encourage help-seeking and healing
StandBy is accessible Australia-wide, seven days a week, providing free face-to face and/or telephone support at a time and place that is best for each individual. StandBy operates nationally by partnering with local organisations, engaging their expertise within the community to deliver the most effective and culturally suitable support for each individual circumstance. StandBy offers Peer Support and a Suicide Bereavement Counselling Service (SBCS) across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the Northern Territory to further support those impacted by suicide loss.
For free, confidential support following a death by suicide, contact StandBy Support After Suicide on 1300 727 247 (6am-10pm, 7 days a week) or visit www.standbysupport.com.au
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Media contact
Lou Gleeson
M: 0475 577 711
E: louise.gleeson@standbysupport.com.au
Report about suicide safely, visit mindframe.org.au
StandBy – An initiative of Youturn jointly funded by the Australian Commonwealth, New South Wales, Victorian, Queensland and Northern Territory Governments.
Youturn – www.youturn.org.au
