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Grenfell Support Watch List Taking a Community-Wide Approach to Suicide Prevention

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Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) is excited to be supporting a new collaborative approach to suicide prevention in Grenfell, with a new TAFE NSW Crisis Support course taking enrolments this Tuesday (September 8 2020).

The Support Watch List is a partnership with Weddin Community Services, TAFE NSW and the Weddin Shire Suicide Prevention project, aimed at supporting those at most risk in the community.

WNSW PHN CEO, Andrew Harvey, has praised this community-wide initiative.

“The Support Watch List is a tremendous innovation, allowing local services, including local GPs, Police, Hospital, Pharmacy and Weddin Community Services to work together in playing a vital role in assisting people at risk of suicide, while maintaining their privacy,” Mr Harvey said.

He added “From the efforts of the volunteers to the training being provided through TAFE NSW and the support of many local organisations, this really epitomises Grenfell as a community that really cares about its residents.”

Individuals will be offered the opportunity to be added to the Support Watch List upon presenting at their GP or Hospital Emergency Department and reporting suicidal thoughts.

Volunteers operating from Weddin Community Services will conduct welfare checks and offer further support, while GPs, Hospital, Pharmacy and Police will each play their part in ensuring the safety and well-being of those on the Support Watch List.

Volunteers will be required to undertake training in Crisis Support with TAFE NSW, commencing Monday September 14, 2020 at the TAFE NSW Grenfell Campus.

Enrolments are being taken on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 from 11am to 1pm at TAFE NSW, 9 Melyra Street, Grenfell.

More information on volunteering for the Community Watch List can contact Chad White, Weddin Shire project Officer Suicide Prevention on 0437 229 092.