A state and federal government partnership is providing funding for suicide aftercare in Tasmania. 

This article contains a discussion on mental health. If you or someone you care about is having mental health issues, call 1800 RESPECT or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636. In an emergency, call 000.

The Way Back Support Service has received $3.6 million in new funding from the Tasmanian state and federal governments, allowing Anglicare Tasmania to provide a new specialised service for post-hospital recovery support for people experiencing suicidal crises. 

Assistant minister for mental health and suicide prevention Emma McBride says Way Back Support aims to ensure patients have support tailored to their needs. 

“The first three months after a suicide attempt or suicidal crisis are so important to a person’s recovery,” Ms McBride says.

“Our government is determined to work together with the states and territories and people with lived or living experience so all Australians have access to the care they need, when they need it.”

The non-clinical support will include tailored care plans for survivors, and open pathways to access community support services and clinical care such as medical and allied health appointments. 

Providers expect over 630 patients will access the services every year in Tasmania. 

Tasmania’s premier Jeremy Rockliff says suicide prevention aftercare is a joint responsibility of state and federal governments. 

“We know that medical and mental health care is far from the full extent of care that a person may need when recovering from a suicidal crisis and [this] service will be there to offer that non-clinical support,” Mr Rockliff said. 

The service will be available in Hobart and Launceston/Burnie.