South Australians impacted by suicide will be immediately referred to crucial support services under a new formalised referral mechanism.
The state-wide initiative has been driven by Country SA PHN as part of an important collaboration with South Australia Police (SAPOL), Adelaide PHN and three postvention providers – Living Beyond Suicide (AnglicareSA), StandBy – Support After Suicide and the National Indigenous Critical Response Service.
Under the new SA Postvention Referral Mechanism, SAPOL will notify postvention providers of a death by suicide anywhere in the state within 24 to 48 hours. Individuals and families bereaved by the suicide will then be informed of the specialised support available to them.
"This is the first time this has been done in South Australia," Country SA PHN Mental Health & AOD Manager Chez Curnow said.
"In addition to providing vital support to those impacted by suicide, we believe it has a crucial part to play in wider suicide prevention across the State.
"We know when an individual is exposed to suicide, the risk of suicide attempt and suicide for that individual significantly increases. We also know that access to timely and specialised postvention support is a protective factor and leads to improved mental health outcomes for those impacted by suicide.
"It was very important for us to formalise this referral mechanism to ensure all South Australians are guaranteed access to the specialised support they need when they need it most. We're so pleased it's up and running and we're grateful for the critical support of all involved."
SAPOL's Detective Senior Sergeant Trevor Rea said joint training from the three postvention providers for South Australian police cadets was an important part of the initiative.
"We have received some really good feedback from families since we have been using the new referral mechanism and that's probably the best indicator for us that this system can and is already making a difference," he said.
Key changes under the new formalised SA Postvention Referral Mechanism include:
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