Call us 1800 243 232
Anglicare offers a program called The Way Back Support Service. It is funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments using the Beyond Blue service model.
The Way Back Support Service is available to people who have visited one of Tasmania’s major hospitals following a suicide attempt or suicidal crisis. It provides them with tailored support for up to three months. It’s free and confidential.
There are some practical things you can do to support a friend or family member who has attempted suicide. The following information is taken from a resource booklet called ‘Guiding their way back’ developed by Beyond Blue as part of The Way Back Support Service. It was put together by people with a personal experience of suicide.
A safety plan can help the individual and their support networks if thoughts of suicide return. You might be able to help your friend or family member to put one together or you could encourage them to develop one with a health professional. A safety plan contains useful information such as:
Click here to access Beyond Blue’s safety plan template that can be filled in online. It can be printed off and/or emailed to health practitioners and family and friends.
You may experience a range of intense and unexpected emotions when someone you care about attempts suicide. You may feel panicked, shocked, confused, angered, betrayed, guilty or sad. There is no right or wrong way to react. Make sure you have your own support network and that you are looking after your own physical and mental wellbeing.
“It is important to remember that there is hope for change but that change often happens slowly.” (Beyond Blue’s resource booklet, “Guiding their way back”)
Here are some helpful websites:
Rural Alive and Well Tasmania – for people in rural and regional areas
headspace – for younger people.