At the launch of the Rebuild Program (from left) MPs Fiona Phillips and Liza Butler, COORDINARE CEO Prudence Buist, Mission Australia program manager Michele Lanigan, care co-ordinator Rourke Armstrong, Mission Australia area manager Helen Fuller, care co-ordinator Rianna Steel and peer workers Ella Davidson and Meg Tanner. Photo: Supplied.
CONTENT WARNING: This story refers to suicide
People who have attempted suicide or are in suicidal crisis now have access to a life-saving, free support service in the Shoalhaven.
Mission Australia’s Rebuild program is a partnership with COORDINARE and will offer face-to-face support for people in the Shoalhaven and Goulburn-Mulwaree areas.
It is a non-clinical peer-led support program for people aged 16 and over who have attempted suicide or are experiencing suicidal thoughts. Culturally safe care is provided through peer workers with lived experience and care coordinators who support access to services and recovery.
COORDINARE CEO Prudence Buist said the Rebuild program complemented the support provided by Grand Pacific Health (GPH)’s Next Steps program, which had been operating for more than seven years.
“Our partnership with Mission Australia and GPH plays to the unique strengths of each organisation,” she said.
“Both services are based on the emerging evidence for peer work in helping people with suicidality on their recovery journey through connection, compassion and tailored support.”
In NSW, more than 850 people die from suicide each year and it is estimated that during that time another 25,000 will make a suicide attempt.
According to COORDINARE, more than 50 per cent of people who die by suicide do not interact with the public health system in the year prior to death, highlighting the importance of finding new ways to reach people in distress.
Mission Australia program manager Michele Lanigan said the Rebuild program would ensure accessible support for people after a suicide attempt or crisis, including men and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“It also builds pathways to reach those experiencing suicidal distress who seek help through social support services – such as financial aid, relationship support, or unemployment assistance – rather than the health system,” Ms Lanigan said.
“In aftercare services, a support coordinator or peer worker provides tailored support based on an individual’s needs and goals for up to three months.
“This includes developing safety and support plans and connecting them with formal or informal supports to address the drivers of suicidal distress and contribute to long-term recovery.”
The Rebuild Program was launched in Nowra on Wednesday (28 January) by Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips and State Member for South Coast Liza Butler.
Mrs Phillips said Rebuild would deliver life-saving impacts, especially through expanded face-to-face support.
“We’re making sure people have access to real, compassionate care in their community when they need it most,” she said.
“The number of deaths by suicide in NSW is staggering, so it’s crucially important that we provide services on the ground that can reach people during times of distress.”
Ms Butler said the program was an important milestone for the region.
“Recovering from a suicidal crisis is incredibly tough, and no-one should have to do it alone,” she said.
“The right support can truly make a difference. Feeling seen, heard and genuinely supported is what helps people take those first steps toward healing and hope.”
Referrals to Rebuild are accepted from individuals, family members, clinicians or organisations.
Rebuild has service hubs in Nowra, Bega and Goulburn.
For more information, visit Mission Australia’s Rebuild, phone 0459 598 958 or email [email protected].
If you or someone you are with is in immediate danger call triple zero. If you are feeling distressed and in need of assistance, you can contact:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- 13YARN: 13 92 76
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
- Men’s line: 1300 78 99 78
- Veteran’s Line: 1800 011 046
- Qlife: 1800 184 527
- Kids helpline: 1800 55 1800.
