Warning: This news story discusses sensitive topics related to mental health, suicide, and self-harm. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, please reach out to the support services listed at the bottom of this news story.
Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) is proud to partner with Mission Australia who delivers The Way Back Support Service Western NSW – a program that is making a real difference in people’s lives.
The Way Back Support Service aims to reduce the risk of further suicidal behaviour for those who are experiencing a suicidalcrisis or suicide attempt. Mission Australia operates the Way Back Support Service Western NSW with teams in Broken Hill, covering the Central Darling Shire and Unincorporated Far West, and in Orange covering Western NSW.
Recent stories from clients show just how life-changing this support can be for individuals, families and communities across the region.
One individual, a grandparent, was referred to The Way Back Support Service by the Suicide Prevention outreach team after a suicide attempt. As an older person, they are at a higher risk of suicide. They expressed a need for weekly check-ins, as they live alone. A spokesperson from The Way Back said that during the weekly check-ins they discuss how the client’s mental health has been over the past week and on that day. With regular weekly check-ins, the client gained more reassurance, and their suicidal ideation decreased. The individual reported satisfaction with the support received from The Way Back team and found the weekly personal engagement to be “meaningful”.
Another individual, a young person struggling with suicidal thoughts due to emotional distress, was referred to The Way Back by headspace. They identified feelings of isolation and loneliness as contributing factors to their suicidality. A spokesperson from The Way Back said that the service assisted the individual by helping to decrease feelings of social isolation experienced through weekly check-ins. They also helped the client to access transport, which “opened up a world of opportunities for the young person to express autonomy and agency.”
Support services and programs like The Way Back are vital in regional and remote communities, particularly in the Far West of NSW where individuals face unique challenges due to geographic isolation. The Way Back Support Service has been delivered in Broken Hill by Mission Australia since 2021 and is designed to increase access to and engagement with community-based care to help prevent further suicidal behaviour or self-harm for individuals following a suicide attempt or suicidal crisis. The Way Back, developed by Beyond Blue, provides access to up to three months of follow up and psychosocial, non-clinical support in the community.
The program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Government Towards Zero Suicide initiatives.
To learn more about The Way Back Support Service Western NSW, you can visit our webpage or the Mission Australia website.
If you or someone you know is affected by the issues discussed in this news story, please reach out to the following support services:
Lifeline – 13 11 14
www.lifeline.org.au
13YARN – 13 92 76
www.13YARN.org.au
Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
www.beyondblue.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
In an emergency, call Triple Zero – 000
