In an Australian first, the Peel and Rockingham Kwinana Community Response Steering Group is trialling a Postvention Community Response as part of the Perth South Suicide Prevention Trial.

This immediate notification service enables practical, psychosocial and medical responses to be offered to families, friends and colleagues of anyone suspected to have died by suicide. More than 35 agencies have come together to offer support such as bereavement services, WA Police aid, and emergency relief.

“People are really interested and receptive to your approach in WA. It really is a gold standard example!” – Nicole Hill, Orygen National Centre for Excellence in Youth Mental Health

The response relies on a partnership between Federal, State, local government and non-government organisations, along with lived experience and community investment.

The impact has been swift, with 100% of suspected suicide cases receiving immediate contact and families offered support during the first six months of the Pilot.

In conjunction with the National Suicide Prevention Trial, the Pilot echoes and highlights that suicide prevention is everyone’s business and that meaningful outcomes can result from working together.

Read more on how we are supporting the mental health of Western Australians.