AnglicareSA’s StandBy Support After Suicide metropolitan team recently gathered in the Barossa for some team building and training – strengthening their skills for the vital service they provide those most in need.

StandBy Support After Suicide, delivered by AnglicareSA across metropolitan Adelaide and country SA, provides immediate and ongoing practical and emotional support to individuals, families, friends, witnesses, first responders, workplaces and entire communities impacted by suicide loss, helping people navigate grief, trauma and recovery in the days, weeks, and months that follow.

StandBy coordinator Michelle Roberts said the training and team building sessions were important not only to provide opportunities for training but also for building relationships within the team.

“Given that our StandBy team are employed on a casual basis, the only time they see each other is at support sessions,” Michelle said.

“Often they will not work together for months at a time, so we work hard to keep them connected with quarterly meetings and informal out of hours team social catch ups.

“Spoiler alert for our StandBy regional team members, you will be having a team building day soon.”

Alongside StandBy, AnglicareSA also delivers the Adelaide Universal Aftercare Service which offers intensive, person-centred, non-clinical support for up to three months for people who have experienced a suicide attempt or are struggling with suicidal distress, as well as for their families and carers.

“This service focuses on safety planning, emotional support, connection to practical resources, and strengthening protective factors during this critical period,” Michelle said.

Anyone seeking support can contact StandBy on 1300 727 247, and health professionals or community health practitioners can enquire about Universal Aftercare via 1300 077 798, ensuring no one in our community has to face these challenges alone.