New service expands, enhances support after a suicide attempt
20 Jun 2025
A new service opening in South Western Sydney later this year will expand and enhance the free support available to people who have recently attempted suicide.
South Western Sydney PHN (SWSPHN) will fund mental health service provider Neami National to deliver Universal Aftercare services, under a bilateral agreement between the Australian and NSW governments.
Aftercare is free, non-clinical psychosocial support for people after a suicide attempt.
Neami National will collaborate with a wide range of local stakeholders, including SWSPHN, South Western Sydney Local Health District, other community managed organisations and local community members, to shape the service to meet the specific needs of the local community.
The service will work with consumers in the short to medium-term to:
- improve mental wellbeing and capacity to self-manage distress
- build formal and informal supportive networks
- reduce risk of future suicidal crisis and/or suicide attempts
In 2022, suicide was the leading cause of death for young people aged 15 to 24, with more than 3,200 lives lost across Australia. Men and First Nations people are particularly at risk, with men making up 75 per cent of suicide deaths and First Nations people being twice as likely to die by suicide.
The Universal Aftercare initiative recognises the relative risk of suicide after attempted suicide is between 20 to 40 times higher than in the general population. It aims to prevent suicide behaviours by improving access to, and engagement with care and supports.
SWSPHN Chief Executive Officer, Dr Keith McDonald PhD, said SWSPHN’s 2025-2028 Needs Assessment identified the need to address barriers to accessing suicide prevention support services in our region like cost, language and logistics. It also highlighted the importance of tailoring services to an individual’s need.
“Along with a particular focus on delivering timely support immediately after a hospital or mental health service visit, Universal Aftercare will provide proactive outreach support to at-risk clients at a time and place which suits both the client and the service,” he said.
“Another key focus for the service will be ensuring clients are connected to the right supports for their unique circumstances.
“Importantly, this service will help clients navigate and stay connected to non-clinical psychosocial support in a way which complements their clinical care, providing practical assistance on the recovery journey.”
Dr McDonald said SWSPHN was looking forward to working with Neami National to ensure people in crisis in our community were supported to build the skills to manage their mental wellbeing, as well as other aspects of their health.
The new service is expected to commence in early August.
If you, or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, talking about self-harm or is noticeably in serious distress, call Triple Zero (000).