More support for people who have attempted suicide

Sunday, 29 January 2017
 
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• ​$644,000 expansion of intensive follow-up service for people who have attempted suicide

The Liberal National Government is expanding the Active Life Enhancing Intervention (ALIVE) program, an intensive preventative service for people who have attempted suicide.

Mental Health Minister Andrea Mitchell said the $644,000 expansion would help more people from one of the most at-risk groups in Western Australia manage their mental health.

"People are most vulnerable in the three months immediately following a suicide attempt, and this is when it is most important to give them support," Ms Mitchell said.

"This service reduces the likelihood of self-harm and suicide by providing a safety net of health and community follow-up for each person."

ALIVE provides a comprehensive, safe and non-judgemental support program through which clients are provided with a free counselling service.

The additional funding will enable new services to begin in Armadale, Fremantle and Rockingham early this year and the Joondalup service to be expanded to five days a week.

The Minister said having a supportive community and network was also critically important to people struggling with suicidal thoughts.

"Friends and family can help people at risk of suicide by asking about their thoughts, listening and encouraging them to get appropriate help," she said.

Referrals to the ALIVE program are accepted from people self-referring, or from family members, GPs, hospitals and other health professionals.

The evaluation of the ALIVE service has demonstrated a successful reduction in levels of distress and suicidal thoughts among this vulnerable population group.

The project allows greater continuity of care, decreasing the likelihood of future hospitalisation and linking individuals with the most appropriate ongoing support.  It also enables clients to learn techniques to successfully manage their mental health beyond the life of the intervention.

Fact File

• The ALIVE program is run by 360 Health and Community. To make a referral, contact 9376 9238 and ask for the Clinical Triage Team
• This initiative is funded as part of the $25.9 million State-wide suicide prevention strategy, Suicide Prevention 2020: Together we can save lives
• For immediate help and support, people can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 or the Samaritans Crisis Line on 135 247