Wellways has officially launched Ways Forward, a new free program designed to support families, friends and significant others caring for someone experiencing suicidal crisis across the Cairns, Townsville and Mackay regions.
Delivered by Wellways on behalf of Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), Ways Forward provides education, emotional support and connection for the people who often carry significant responsibility in a person’s recovery but may not receive support themselves.
Wellways Suicide Prevention Manager Natalie White said the program fills a long-standing gap for those who support someone through suicidal crisis.
“Supporters often navigate fear, uncertainty and emotional exhaustion on their own,” Ms White said. “Ways Forward offers a space where people can pause, reflect and build confidence in supporting their loved one, while also being supported themselves.”
The program includes one-on-one support, psychoeducation, safety planning guidance, referrals to community services and opportunities to connect with others in similar situations. Importantly, the service is grounded in lived experience and focuses on cultural safety, choice and empowerment.
Wellways Lived Experience Peer Worker Kate Curtis said the program was shaped by feedback from people with lived and living experience.
“We heard very clearly that supporters wanted something that felt hopeful, human and practical,” Ms Curtis said.
“Ways Forward was designed to reflect the real experiences of families, carers, chosen family and friends – acknowledging the crucial role they play, and the toll it can take.”
The program name was selected through collaborative consultations held earlier this year with supporters, First Nations representatives and Hospital and Health Service partners across Cairns, Townsville and Mackay.
Ways Forward builds on the learnings of The Way Back Support Service (TWBSS) in Cairns and complements the recently expanded Universal Aftercare initiative. Together, these programs offer integrated, non-clinical outreach support for people experiencing suicidal crisis and those who walk alongside them.
The Ways Forward program is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments.
Accessing Ways Forward
Ways Forward is a free and inclusive service. Support can be accessed by contacting the dedicated Wellways team or via direct referral from the Cairns, Mackay or Townsville Hospital and Health Service.