Universal Aftercare

About Universal Aftercare

Universal Aftercare is a tailored, non-clinical service for people who have experienced a suicidal crisis or attempted suicide.

The Universal Aftercare services delivered by Wellways are available in the following regions: Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, and Murrumbidgee.

What to expect

A Support Coordinator or Peer Worker (depending on your region) works with the person to understand their needs and helps connect them to other relevant and appropriate supports in the community and through health care services.

Support can look like:

• assistance in adjusting to life after being discharged from hospital
• developing a safety plan
• reconnecting and rebuilding relationships
• practical support with medical and specialist appointments
• helping to connect with one-on-one or relationship counselling
• navigating other community services such as housing, income, family and employment supports
• supporting their supporters

Accessing Universal Aftercare

Universal Aftercare is available through direct referral from our partners in the following regions:

Northern Queensland

• Cairns and Hinterland – Cairns Hospital and Health Service
• Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac – Mackay Hospital and Health Service
• Townsville – Townsville Hospital and Health Service

NSW

• Murrumbidgee – Murrumbidgee Local Health District (Inpatient Unit, Community Mental Health), GP’s, Headspace, aged care facilities, or schools.

What happens after the referral

The hours and days following a suicidal crisis are challenging. That’s why there is no waitlist for the Universal Aftercare service. Within one business day of receiving the referral, a dedicated Wellways Support Coordinator or Peer Worker (depending on your region) will contact the person referred.

Together, they will develop a personalised support plan tailored to the person’s needs, providing support for approximately three months. The focus is on connection and understanding what matters most to the person, including exploring what additional support services are available to them and helping to connect with these.

Universal Aftercare is funded through the Australian Government’s PHN Program, specifically Northern Queensland PHN and Murrumbidgee PHN.

Service Locations