Suicide Prevention

A new support service which targets Western Queenslanders with an elevated risk of suicide is being rolled out across the region. Universal Aftercare is a service that rapidly supports an individual who has experienced a suicidal crisis or a suicide attempt, amid evidence that further suicide attempts are more likely soon after an initial attempt.

Universal Aftercare is a collaborative initiative between the WQPHN, the Hospital and Health Service (HHS), and WQPHN-commissioned providers—Stride, selectability, and Anglicare.

With dedicated funding, this service integrates aftercare support into hospitals, primary healthcare centres, and community-based services across the region.

Following an assessment by a hospital-based clinical coordinator, individuals will be connected to local health providers, where support coordinators will provide non-clinical care and practical assistance aimed at reducing the risk of re-attempts.

This includes fostering social connectedness, improving access to clinical and community services, and empowering individuals to self-manage and enhance their mental well-being.

The Universal Aftercare service will be delivered by leading mental health service provider selectability in the North West, in the Central West by Anglicare which has vast experience working with vulnerable people, and in the South West by Stride; a leader in early intervention services.

Universal Aftercare is part of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement and supporting Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments.

For more information about this service, please contact your local provider.

• North West - selectability Phone: 07 4453 0100
• Central West - Anglicare Phone: 1300 610 610
• South West - Stride Phone: 1300 00 1907

Targeted Regional Initiatives for Suicide Prevention (TRISP), Building stronger, safer communities across Western Queensland

Through funding from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the Western Queensland Primary Health Network (WQPHN) is partnering with key stakeholders across our regions to targeted suicide prevention efforts across the Northwest, Central West, and SouthWest .

These initiatives are focused on empowering communities to prevent and respond to suicidal distress, especially among priority population groups, by working in partnership with local organisations, people with lived experience, and regional networks.

What WQPHN is doing:

• Supporting local action by funding grassroots community activities led by existing suicide prevention networks.
• Building local capacity by providing training and building workforce capacity to better support people at risk.
• Championing lived experience by ensuring community members and people with lived experience are at the centre of decision-making and planning.
• Addressing service gaps by strengthening coordination and access to services in areas that need it most.
• Planning together through co-developing regional strategies that reflect local needs, priorities, and voices.

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