Wellways and Young Police Sector partner to meet needs of those bereaved by suicide

This is the only specialised After Suicide Support Program in this area and is offered at no cost to those bereaved by suicide.

Police, as first responders to loss of life, will carry an information card with a simple message and contact details for the service.

This information will be given to those berieved by suicide so that, at their discretion, they may reach out for support.

The program was officially launched with Cootamundra MP Steph Cooke, Wellways and Young police on Friday, December 11.

Young police constable Klara Novak said the program is designed to provide the best care possible.

"It's really important and crucial that we are able to refer grieving families who have lost a loved one by suicide to Wellways so we can give the best victim care possible. It's also about also knowing that after we do leave and after our investigation duties are finished, they are in good hands with Wellways and they can come to Young, see someone face-to-face and can get the best support possible," constable Novak said.

Wellways After Suicide Support Coordinator Shannon O'Brien explained how the service will be provided to families, friends, workplaces and communities following a death by suicide.

Supports include material aid, emotional support, written resources, guidance on how to speak to children or loved ones about their loss and referrals to relevant support services.

The program is fluid and people can move in and out of the program as needed.

"Through the provision of clear pathways to sensitive and culturally appropriate support, we aim to promote health, safety and healing for individuals and communities impacted by suicide loss," Ms O'Brien said.

"There is no end date to the program. Participants are supported to meet at a place where they feel most comfortable and that meets their needs."

Ms O'Brien said the program will work with communities to help develop understanding about suicide, grief reactions and emotions that people experience.

"At times of crisis and high distress, having clear, streamlined and coordinated supports is crucial to supporting the bereaved," she said.

"We are committed to de-stigmatising suicide and promoting suicide postvention to individuals, communities, employers, service providers, media, sporting and social groups through information, education, training and networking."

Steph Cooke MP said it's a wonderful initiative.

"This initiative which will see an information card, which is able to be put in a prominent place on the fridge, handed to families by the police acting as a referral to Wellways is a wonderful initiative. It's a first, it's something that hasn't been done before," Ms Cooke said.

"I truly would like to commend both Wellways, as the organisation providing the care and support to families, and to the local police for getting their heads together and being prepared to look at the best way to reach out to families at the most critical times. I think this is a service people will really benefit from at a time when they are vulnerable. Suicide is unlike any other bereavement and the support that is required is different it does need to be tailored. I think Wellways do a fantastic job in the space of that type of support and in terms of mental health more broadly. This connection will allow families to get the help and support they need most when they need it in a way that's provided locally. This is a way to get face-to-face tailored support in a timely fashion when they most need it. Hopefully it won't be a service that is called upon too often but when it is called upon it is good to know Shannon and her team will be there to assist at a local level."

Inspector Reeves added that Lifeline data shows that each suicide impacts up to 135 people including family members, work colleagues and friends.

"It's a significant impact upon those who know a person who lost their life through suicide, it's a significant impact on family and friends and it really needs a tailored approach. The significance of the issue is not lost on us, and anything we can do to help a family address their grief, to have support, to process the issue and to find a way forward is very worthwhile. There is no targeted and tailored service at the moment in the Hilltops besides Wellways so we're very fortunate we have a specific specialised organisation we can refer to that's in the local area," he said.

Anyone whose life has been impacted by suicide loss is encouraged to contact Wellways to discuss the After Suicide Support Program.

Ms O'Brien said Wellways are proud to develop strong relationships with front line workers and first responders across the Murrumbidgee region.

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