STANDBY Support After Suicide is an Australia-wide program with a vision for every community to be safe and inclusive for those bereaved by suicide.
It is an initiative jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State to support those suffering in the aftermath of a loved one’s sudden death.
NSW Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said, “Suicide prevention isn’t just about crisis response, it’s about creating a culture where people feel safe to reach [out] and know where to turn for support during life’s toughest challenges”.
StandBy as a service endeavours to respond to suicide events, and also works with professionals and at-risk communities.
They take a settings-based approach in schools, workplaces and community groups, respecting each social and cultural context.
The program includes immediate care around bereavement, and ongoing counselling and support.
According to Suicide Prevention Australia Lived Experience Panel Member, Lidia Di Lembo, “A more systematic, rigorous, and targeted effort on early intervention support – by listening to those with a lived experience of suicide loss – is critical to helping people in distress get access to timely and responsive care.”
StandBy Support After Suicide can be reached calling 1300 727 247, am to 10pm, 7 days a week—the service is free and confidential.
Lifeline: 13 11 14.
By Kim SATCHELL
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