StandBy Support After Suicide (StandBy) PhD Candidate Bess Jackson, publishes second journal article in a series of work cementing Australia’s leading suicide postvention program’s commitment to evidence-based, person-centred approaches, that address the unique needs of those bereaved by suicide.
StandBy’s second journal article titled ‘Measuring What Outcomes Matters Most to People When Accessing Suicide Postvention Support: A Qualitative Study,’ provides suicide postvention services, like StandBy, with insights into how to embed a structured approach to monitoring and evaluating the impact of the service.
The paper by researchers Bess Jackson, Sarah Wayland, Shelley-Anne Ball & Myfanwy Maple was recently published in Community Mental Health Journal, highlighting the complex context of measuring outcomes in suicide postvention and emphasised the need for flexible approaches to service provision and outcome measurement.
The study suggests that the most significant benefits, as perceived by participants, are the ‘flow-on’ effects of postvention. It supports the notion that outcome measures require careful consideration, with trade-offs evaluated to understand what is truly valuable in suicide postvention services.
StandBy is a program of Youturn, Youturn’s Program Manager, Clinical and Practice Support, and research supervisor, Shelley-Anne Ball, says StandBy identified critical gaps in the understanding of suicide bereavement and sought to address them through targeted research, partnering with the University of New England (UNE) to sponsor a PhD project.
“This research addresses a critical gap in our understanding of suicide bereavement, and we see it as a valuable opportunity to amplify the voices of those with lived experience. By connecting these insights to real-world applications, we hope we can generate knowledge that will help enhance support services both here in Australia and globally,” Ms Ball said.
“Ultimately, our goal is that this work will lead to meaningful improvements for individuals and communities impacted by suicide, both here and around the world.”
Youturn General Manager, Health Services, Amanda Glenwright says the project gives StandBy a valuable opportunity to share real-world insights and experiences, embedding the voice of lived experience into academic research in a meaningful way.
“The collaboration with UNE also ensures that research reflects the real needs and experiences of those bereaved or impacted by suicide, grounding findings in authentic, lived experience perspectives.
“We know there’s a gap in outcome measures specific to people impacted by suicide. Without these measures, it’s difficult to truly understand how effective our services are. This research is helping us bridge that gap by identifying, testing, and refining outcome measures tailored to suicide postvention.
“Ultimately, this work will lead to the development of a robust outcome tool that can not only enhance StandBy’s services but also be shared globally to improve support for individuals and communities impacted by suicide loss around the world.”
The research project consults peer-reviewed and grey literature, StandBy staff, StandBy’s Lived Experience Advisory Groups, and people receiving a service from StandBy to develop a rich understanding of current approaches and explore the potential for future applications.
PhD candidate Bess Jackson says it’s a privilege to collaborate with an organisation that values research as a tool to enhance the impact of its already outstanding program.
“This research highlighted the importance of undertaking qualitative research and listening to people – both to what they are saying, also to what is not being said,” Ms Jackson said.
“StandBy has embedded a culture of research in its organisation and is uniquely placed to both contribute to the evidence base while also disseminating research findings into the sector.”
Looking forward, StandBy is excited to share more research findings as the project progresses. The research team recently completed the latest phase of the project, conducting a Delphi consensus study informed by findings from the earlier stages. The Delphi study, which gathered insights from a diverse national and international group – including individuals with lived experience of suicide bereavement, suicide postvention staff, and postvention researchers – has provided critical guidance. These findings are now shaping the development and implementation of a trial of outcome measures within the StandBy program.
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.
