Local group focusses on suicide prevention and aftercare
This World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), it’s timely to introduce four local organisations who are working together to ensure communities are aware of services and to support a timely and coordinated response for individuals and communities following a suicide or critical event in the Murrumbidgee region.
The Local Response Group (LRG) is comprised of the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN), Wellways Australia, the Riverina Police District, and the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD).
MPHN CEO Melissa Neal said the LRG seeks to work collaboratively to inform individuals, families and communities about referral pathways, how to look out for one another, and where to access supports.
“We know the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with ongoing drought and the recent bushfires, has had a significant impact on our communities” Ms Neal said.
“The number of people attending regular check-ups with their GP and other primary healthcare professionals has decreased significantly during COVID-19. This presents increased risks for people whose healthcare needs are not being met, as well as limiting professional support for people with mental health concerns.”
Wellways Australia’s Regional Manager Murrumbidgee Zoe Evans said her team has seen a significant increase in referrals to a range of mental health services and programs in the past three months.
“The Way Back Support Service has experienced increased demand since the easing of restrictions in May,” Ms Evans said.
“For many locals, impacts of COVID-19 has become the single most important issue, with referrals focusing on relationship issues, isolation and financial stress.
“We have also seen increased requests for referrals to other psychosocial programs and a slight increase in suicidal thoughts and distress for existing participants.”
Riverina Police District Commander Superintendent Bob Noble said since COVID-19 restrictions came into effect there had been an increase in family and domestic violence incidents throughout New South Wales.
MLHD Chief Executive Jill Ludford said the LRG would work to increase public awareness of the support mechanisms available to people in the region.
“There’s no doubt our population is experiencing combined trauma from bushfires, drought and COVID-19,” Ms Ludford said.
“We are starting to see early indications of mental health and wellbeing concerns within communities, which is why we have formed the LRG to remind people to seek help if they need to, and to give people opportunities to build and support suicide safe communities.”
If you, or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call Accessline in the Murrumbidgee 1800 800 944, Lifeline 13 11 14, or call 000.