An AnglicareSA program has been awarded for supporting survivors of suicide following COVID-19.
The Way Back Support Service received the ‘Recognition in Primary Mental Health Care’ award at the Adelaide Primary Health Network’s recent Annual Primary Health Care Awards in Adelaide.
The service was specifically recognised for its work in supporting more than 450 people in the months following suicide attempt.
AnglicareSA launched the Way Back Support Service – designed by Beyond Blue and delivered in collaboration between AnglicareSA and Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) – at the end of 2020 in the aftermath of a state-wide COVID-19 lockdown.
The team works with people impacted by suicide by offering three-months of specialised support that is strengths-focused and uniquely tailored, linking each individual to the most appropriate chain of care.
“It is a privilege to deliver the Way Back Support Service,” said AnglicareSA Suicide Prevention and Grief Support Manager Michael Traynor.
“This award is wonderful acknowledgment of the work we are doing in suicide prevention,” he said.
“It’s also been a great opportunity for AnglicareSA to work collaboratively with Beyond Blue through their national expansion and a way for us to increase our capacity to respond to growing community need post-COVID,” he said.
Mr Traynor said the award recognised the work of AnglicareSA’s dedicated suicide prevention team in supporting people during one of the toughest times in their life. “The team regularly receive very positive feedback from their clients, and the award highlights the value of the service more broadly in the metal health sector.”
Initially designed to assist patients after being discharged from either the Royal Adelaide Hospital or Queen Elizabeth Hospital, AnglicareSA has expanded the scope of the Way Back Support Service to include referrals from the Urgent Mental Health Care Centre and Community Mental Health.
Since 2020, Way Back Support Service has supported 450 people, with another 89 people being referred to other AnglicareSA Suicide Prevention Services due to geographical location (outside of the CALHN regions). On average, the service supports approximately 350 clients per year including almost 3000 contacts with clients either through face-to-face services and/or phone calls.
Operating between 9am–5pm Monday to Friday, the service can be accessed by calling 1300 077 798.
The Way Back Support Service has been developed by Beyond Blue and is co-funded by the Commonwealth Government and SA Health through Adelaide Primary Health Network and the Office for the Chief Psychiatrist.
Learn more about AnglicareSA’s suicide prevention support services.