Recommendation 27

The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health recommended the implementation of new suicide prevention and response programs, services and supports.

This includes training for workers that support people experiencing suicidal behaviour. For example, police officers, emergency department staff and family violence workers. The training will allow workers to provide more suitable and compassionate care.

Training for Victorians who work with communities was also recommended. This could include sports coaches, teachers and hospitality staff. The training would support them to develop their suicide awareness and prevention skills. Training should also include programs developed for and by Aboriginal communities and organisations.

The recommendation also called for more workplace suicide prevention and response programs and targeted initiatives to support people at risk of experiencing suicidal behaviour.

The Royal Commission identified a need for additional services and supports, including:

• Aftercare programs for people who are experiencing suicidal behaviour or who have attempted suicide. These should include a specific aftercare service for the LGBTIQA+ community.
• Training for front-line workers.
• Training to support workforces and the community to support people experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours. This should include services for, and delivered by, Aboriginal communities.
• Statewide support for any person bereaved by suicide.
• Improved supports for people experiencing psychological distress.

What are we doing?

Distress Support Service

In its final report, the Royal Commission recommended that the Victorian Government develop an intensive 14-day support program for people experiencing distress (recommendation 27.3).

The Distress Support Service is a short-term (two-to-three week), community-based approach that offers a compassionate, non-clinical response to adults who are in distress but do not require emergency care. The program aims to help people address difficult circumstances in their lives and equip them with tools and skills to manage their distress.

The Distress Support Service (known nationally as the Distress Brief Support program trial) is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments.

Read more about the Distress Support Service

LGBTIQA+ aftercare service

The Royal Commission recognised that LGBTIQA+ communities are disproportionately impacted by suicide in Australia. While many LGBTIQA+ individuals live healthy and fulfilling lives, research shows that members of these communities in Victoria are 20 times more likely to have considered suicide and 8 times more likely to have attempted suicide than the general population.

In its final report, the Royal Commission recommended that the Victorian Government establish a dedicated aftercare service for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, asexual, and other sexuality, gender, and bodily diverse (LGBTIQA+) people following a suicide attempt.

Aftercare refers to the support provided to individuals following a suicide attempt and is a vital component of suicide prevention. LGBTIQA+ people may face unique challenges during recovery, including difficulties accessing safe, inclusive, and affirming care. A tailored aftercare service is essential to meet these specific needs.

In response to the Royal Commission’s recommendation, the Victorian Government is developing a new aftercare service to support LGBTIQA+ people experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours or recovering from a suicide attempt.

The Department of Health partnered with Impact Co. to develop a new model that is inclusive of both young people and adults. Impact Co. consulted with LGBTIQA+ community members and selected service providers to help understand the needs of the community and where gaps exist, and to develop a draft model of care. A tender process to select a service provider to deliver the new co-designed service will follow at a later stage.

In the interim, Mind Australia has been engaged to continue to deliver their existing LGBTIQA+ aftercare service, ensuring uninterrupted access to tailored support for the community. You can find information about the Mind Australia aftercare program on their website.