Suicide Prevention Australia has welcomed the Australian Government's announcement to invest in vital suicide prevention aftercare services and extend leading national suicide prevention services.
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Suicide Prevention Australia CEO Nieves Murray said the expansion of the Way Back Support program will mean many more Australians can access the support they need after they've gone through a suicidal crisis.
"It's great news. We know that proactive support after a suicide attempt - or 'aftercare' - is a strategy that has a very strong evidence base for driving down suicide rates overall."
Ms Murray hoped the announcement made on World Suicide Prevention Day, will be followed by a commitment to broaden aftercare support to every vulnerable Australian.
Over 10 million Australian adults know someone who has personally died by suicide. That's almost half the population.
Providing people with proactive support and follow up can reduce additional suicide attempts by up to 20 per cent.
"Our emergency departments and other acute care settings are overstretched, with demand for services often exceeding the resources available," Ms Murray said.
"As we've said in our pre-Budget submissions and to the National Suicide Prevention Adviser, the Australian Government should commit to universal aftercare in the 2020-21 Budget and drive it through National Cabinet as soon as possible."
To get help 24/7, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
