Universal Aftercare is now officially available in the Mackay and Townsville regions, following public launches of the much-needed service in early August.
The program – funded by the North Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) in partnership with Mackay and Townsville Hospital and Health Service, is proudly delivered by Wellways. It provides free support for people aged 15 and over who have experienced a recent suicide attempt or suicidal crisis.
Universal Aftercare is accessed through a direct referral from the local Mackay or Townsville Hospital and Health Service to Wellways. Once referred, a Wellways Support Coordinator will be in touch, within one business day. First Nations Coordinators are also available in each location to support members of their community with a culturally safe and confidential support.
Support might include service navigation, rebuilding relationships, reconnecting with community, linking with financial, legal or relationship counselling, and creating a suicide safety plan that works for the individual.
Wellways General Manager for Queensland, Zoe Evans, who addressed partners and community representatives at each launch said it was encouraging to see this program come to life.
“Wellways is proud to stand with the Mackay and Townsville communities in creating safer, more supportive systems for people in distress,” she said.
“Universal Aftercare is a very person-led support that we provide. We support people with everyday things that they are struggling with that might contribute to them experiencing a suicidal crisis”, Ms Evans said.
NQPHN Operations Director Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Cara McCormack, said the success of Universal Aftercare lies in the strength of the partnership with Wellways.
“It’s important to celebrate the partnerships that have been built which have enabled this service to make a real difference for people in our community,” she said.
“No one person is the same and the supports really need to be designed around the individual and we know that the Wellways team does that very well.
“We are proud to have commissioned Wellways to deliver this service, a provider we know deeply lives these principles every day.”
Universal Aftercare Coordinator at Townsville Hospital Louise Smith said clinical support was a crucial step in ensuring the best outcomes for people accessing the service.
“As coordinator I go out and meet the various teams around Queensland Hospitals and present the service and how it works,” she said.
“I often have my face around their clinical areas, looking at what they’re getting at, making suggestions about whether they need our service or not and attend their team meetings.
“We have gelled really well with the Wellways team and that’s what’s going to make the difference for people.”
Lived experience advocate Leith Milton said Universal Aftercare would change lives in local communities.
“I’ve survived a suicide attempt, lived with suicidal ideation the majority of my life and after years of advocating, the voices of lived experience have finally been heard,” she said.
“The Universal Aftercare service recognises and values the deep wisdom of lived experience and it partners with the learned expertise of clinical insight and knowledge, it demonstrates respect and understanding for the needs of those accessing the service.
“We look to the future with hope and gratitude understanding the positive impact it will have on individuals, carers and families and the ripple effect it will have on our community.”
At the events in both Mackay and Townsville, it was also shared that a separate service, complimenting Universal Aftercare, and that purely focuses on supporting carers, friends and family members, is already available and it will be officially launched in the very near future.
Referrals to Universal Aftercare are currently made exclusively by Mackay and Townsville HHS clinical staff, with pathways developed in close partnership with Wellways, prioritising timely, person-centred care for those most in need.
Read more about the launch of Universal Aftercare in North Queensland through our partners at the North Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN):
Universal Aftercare launches in Mackay
Universal Aftercare launches in Townsville
