Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) is now inviting proposals for the provision of a non-clinical service model that provides residents of the Cairns region with access to high quality support following a suicide attempt or crisis.
The program, called The Way Back Support Service, focuses on increasing social connectedness and links to available support networks to improve mental wellbeing and reduce further distress.
Under The Way Back, trained Support Coordinators link individuals to existing clinical and community-based services to ensure they are safe and accessing support.
The Way Back is being implemented in response to an identified need of an appropriate and responsive community-based suicide prevention strategy in the Cairns and Hinterland Health Services (CHHHS) region.
NQPHN Chief Executive Officer John Gregg said The Way Back Support Service model is underpinned by a number of principles to assist individuals to receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
“The program offers strengths-based support that empowers its clients to seek, connect, engage, and maintain positive community, social, and family networks and engage available support systems that build resilience and reduce distress,” said Mr Gregg.
“Each individual who is experiencing a suicidal crisis has a unique set of circumstances involving family, work, physical, psychological, or financial circumstances, among others. Supporting individuals must be tailored to their individual needs, motivations, abilities and, most importantly, their strengths.
“Providing individuals with timely support when they are most vulnerable is critical to achieving safety.
“We look forward to working collaboratively with Beyond Blue and the successful applicant to help residents in the Cairns region live happier, healthier, longer lives.”
Beyond Blue Chief Services Officer Alastair Stott said The Way Back provides critical support for people after they leave hospital.
“The Way Back addresses a significant gap in the current service system and eases people’s distress by guiding them towards the right support and informing them about how to stay safe,” Stott said.
“Support Coordinators provide people with practical support for improving their situation in what is a vital time for recovery.”
The Way Back is funded collaboratively by NQPHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program, Queensland Health, and Beyond Blue.
The geographical scope of the procurement is for communities within the CHHHS region including Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Douglas Shire, Tablelands, and Western Tablelands areas.
Applicants interested in applying for the tender should visit NQPHN’s online procurement portal at www.nqphn.com.au/commissioning
The tender closing date is 21 August 2020.