About Universal Aftercare
Universal Aftercare is a tailored service for people who have experienced a suicidal crisis or attempted suicide. It is not a conventional mental health service.
Available in Townsville, Mackay, Whitsunday, Isaac, Cairns and Hinterland regions.
What to expect
A Support Coordinator 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 suicide safety plan
- reconnecting and rebuilding relationships
- practical support with medical and specialist appointments
- linking in with financial, legal or relationship counselling
- navigating other community services such as housing, income, family and employment supports
- supporting the supporters
Accessing Universal Aftercare
Universal Aftercare is delivered by Wellways and is available through direct referral from our partner Hospital and Health Services in the following regions:
- Cairns and Hinterland – Cairns Hospital and Health Service
- Townsville – Townsville Hospital and Health Service
- Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac – Mackay Hospital and Health Service
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 will contact the person referred.
Together, they will develop a personalised support plan tailored to the person needs, providing support for approximately three months. The focus is on what matters most to the person, including what connections and supports are needed to move forward.
Universal Aftercare is funded by the Northern Queensland PHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.