Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) is pleased to announce Wellways as the new backbone organisation to facilitate the ongoing development of Suicide Prevention Community Action Planning (SPCAP) in the Mackay region.
Wellways took on this role from 1 July 2023 and will continue working closely with the community to facilitate and support suicide prevention activities, such as the Real Mates Talk (RMT) campaign, across the Mackay, Whitsunday, and Isaac regions, including rural and remote areas.
NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Robin Whyte said Wellways was selected as the lead agency following a robust tendering process.
“Suicide prevention is a complex issue and given the diversity and geographic location of the Mackay region, there is a real need for a structured approach to the facilitation of community-focused suicide prevention planning and activities,” Ms Whyte said.
“We are pleased to be working with Wellways to continue this important work, which is heavily led by the local communities in Mackay, Whitsunday, and Isaac regions.
“NQPHN will work closely with the new and current agency to ensure a seamless handover to support the ongoing development of the action plan and associated programs of work, such as the Real Mates Talk campaign.”
Real Mates Talk is a successful suicide prevention initiative created by the community through the SPCAP work and is highly regarded by the local community and its ambassadors.
“At its core, Real Mates Talk is a community-led and focused initiative, and we are excited to see its momentum grow and its continued positive impact on the community,” Ms Whyte said.
Real Mates Talk Ambassador Jason Peoples said RMT was developed by members of the community, for the community.
“The biggest thing I noticed when I became involved in RMT is the sense of ownership everyone feels and the amazing people involved,” he said. “I’ve learned so much from being surrounded by so many like-minded people and my own wellbeing has improved too.
“RMT works to your strengths. We have members who encourage the message through social media and networking, help businesses come on board as partners, actively get involved in events, toolbox talks, and presentations at schools, or contribute a lived experience perspective to co-design projects.”
NQPHN has funded community-based suicide prevention activities through the SPCAPs program since 2018 and remains committed to this important work.
The NQPHN Health Needs Assessment (HNA) 2022-24 confirms the SPCAPs program in the Mackay area as a vital response to the need for suicide prevention activities in the community.
“A key priority for NQPHN is to encourage and promote a regional approach to mental health and suicide prevention, including community-driven activities,” Ms Whyte said.
Wellways Chief Executive Officer Laura Collister said the experienced suicide prevention team was looking forward to working closely with the local community to strengthen and integrate community responses to suicide.
“We are excited to have successfully become the lead agency for the ongoing development of the SPCAP in the Mackay area,” she said.
“Our proposed service model will focus on suicide prevention coordination, using a community development model and shared resources. In partnership with community-based networks, we will focus on connecting existing services and supports, while promoting education and training.”
Ms Whyte said the appointment of Wellways as the lead agency, effective 1 July 2023, meant it was business as usual as the SPCAP program transitioned from the outgoing agency, selectability.
“We thank selectability for their work in the Mackay region and look forward to working with Wellways to continue the development and implementation of the Suicide Prevention Community Action Plan,” she said.
The SPCAPs program is based on the Black Dog Institute’s LifeSpan framework, an evidence-based systems approach to integrated suicide prevention strategies, and is delivered in alignment with the national Primary Health Network Suicide Prevention Program Guidelines.
