An award-winning collaboration between AnglicareSA and South Australia Police (SAPOL) is helping connect people bereaved by suicide to vital support services.

An award-winning collaboration between AnglicareSA and South Australia Police (SAPOL) is helping connect people bereaved by suicide to vital support services.

AnglicareSA CEO Grant Reubenicht and South Australia Police Commissioner Grant Stevens this week signed a Memorandum of Understanding linking SAPOL to the StandBy Support After Suicide program – a national postvention service offered in South Australia by AnglicareSA.

AnglicareSA Acting Manager, Suicide Prevention, Michelle Roberts, said through the collaboration SAPOL officers had access to an online portal on their phones which enabled them to refer people bereaved or impacted by suicide directly to StandBy.

“StandBy provides support to any South Australian affected by suicide – individuals, families, and friends, along with witnesses, first responders, service providers, and whole communities,” Michelle said.

“People bereaved by suicide are at eight times increased risk of taking their own life which is why our program exists.

“We want to ensure that people referred to our program feel supported in a way that is best for them as an individual.”

SAPOL Mental Health Operations Support Unit Supervisor, Sergeant Peter Benn, said the initiative had addressed a gap in service delivery expressed by next of kin in the hours and days following a suicide, specifically in relation to support services and the processes of a coronial inquest.

“It had been identified that there was a period between when patrols leave the scene of a suicide, to when it is allocated for investigation,” Sgt Benn said.

“During this period families are often not contacted by patrols or investigators for several days.

“This is a critical time period for families as they have often forgotten the information that was provided to them by the initial patrol, including the next steps and processes to follow.”

Through the collaboration, an information card was initially developed for SAPOL members which included details about the StandBy service, how to complete a referral to StandBy, the role of police during a coronial investigation, as well as available support services.

Sgt Benn said attending patrols could also make referrals to StandBy when attending suicide incidents via the secure portal to the AnglicareSA website, if appropriate and with permission of the next of kin or person impacted.

“StandBy can then contact individuals, families, and communities enabling support, with relevant information provided around coronial inquests, funeral planning, resourcing, along with other issues and experiences specific to suicide loss,” Sgt Benn said.

“Our patrols and Victim Contact Officers have made good use of the referral pathway since it was first introduced earlier this year.

“Regular referral data reports are provided to SAPOL to monitor the progress and use of the portal, and we anticipate that more SAPOL members will submit referrals to StandBy as the initiative becomes more widely promoted amongst staff.”

In March the collaboration was recognised with an award at the South Australian LiFE (Living is For Everyone) Awards.

Hosted by Suicide Prevention Australia, the LiFE Awards acknowledges the important work being done across the country in suicide prevention.

The StandBy and SAPOL partnership took out the Priority Populations Award for innovative service delivery that addresses, prevents, or responds to suicidal behaviours within the community. 

Michelle said the award highlighted the importance of continued investment in suicide prevention and postvention services.

“Winning the award signifies the compassion and passion to support others, which is what drives me to come to work every day,” Michelle said.

“Most importantly, through this partnership, we will be able to ensure that support is offered to those in their darkest hour.”