StandBy Support After Suicide (StandBy) welcomes the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (the Strategy) released yesterday, and its whole-of-government, whole-of-community approach to suicide prevention.
The Strategy recognises suicide postvention as a critical suicide prevention measure and the long-term psychosocial impacts of suicide bereavement on individuals and communities.
StandBy reinforces that the need for postvention services is clear – access to timely, responsive and coordinated support can help reduce further suicide loss and support individuals and communities to better navigate the complexity of suicide loss.
StandBy is a program of Youturn, and Youturn Chief Executive Officer James Blevin says he’s encouraged by the ambition of this Strategy.
“Knowing that the government is committed to both shifting the curve and increasing support during times of distress is enormously encouraging,” Mr Blevin said.
“In 2024, Youturn’s submission to the National Suicide Prevention Strategy underscored a crucial truth: the solutions to complex social challenges lie in tackling the root causes.
“Housing, economic security, and social connection are all critical to supporting mental health and preventing crises like suicide. A holistic approach, grounded in the lived experiences of those most affected, is the key to creating sustainable, meaningful change.
“Youturn and StandBy look forward to working with all levels of government in implementing the strategy over the course of the next ten years.”
The Strategy reinforces the need for universal access to postvention support, including suicide bereavement counselling, peer support and tailored services for groups disproportionately impacted by suicide.
StandBy has more than 20 years’ experience leading postvention service delivery in Australia and can be accessed across the country. While StandBy’s specialised Suicide Bereavement Counselling Service (SBCS) and Peer Support is only currently available in New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory, and Victoria, StandBy is working hard to advocate for universal access to these vital supports for all Australians.
StandBy is working in collaboration with key organisations and cohorts to ensure those who are disproportionally impacted by suicide—including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+SB communities, men, and First Responders—have access to dedicated and culturally tailored support.
Youturn’s General Manager Health Services, Amanda Glenwright believes the Strategy sends a strong message that postvention is a vital part of suicide prevention.
“It highlights the collective responsibility we all share as a community in addressing suicide and supporting those impacted by loss,” Ms Glenwright said.
“The inclusion of postvention in the national Strategy is a crucial step forward acknowledging the deep and lasting impact of suicide loss across our communities, and the urgent need for universal access to support all Australians.
“We know it takes all of us, working together across our services, communities and governments to reduce the profound impacts of suicide loss across Australia,” said Ms Glenwright.
StandBy Lived Experience Development and Advocacy Lead, Kristy Steenhuis, echoes the importance of placing those with a lived experience central to all aspects of postvention service design and delivery.
“Lived experience is central to StandBy’s approach, and we welcome the Strategy’s strong focus on embedding lived experience across all areas of suicide prevention and postvention,” said Ms Steenhuis.
The StandBy program is focused on supporting anyone bereaved or impacted by suicide at any stage in their life, is accessible Australia-wide, seven days a week, providing free face-to face or telephone support at a time and place that is best for each individual.
The program offers coordinated evidence-based support and resources (including connections to local services and groups) that is individualised for each person’s unique circumstance. To connect to StandBy call 1300 727 247 or visit 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 https://mindframe.org.au/
StandBy – An initiative of Youturn jointly funded by the Australian Commonwealth, New South Wales, Victorian, Queensland and Northern Territory Governments.
