An additional free support service to help people following a suicide attempt or suicidal crisis, in South Eastern NSW, was officially launched today.  

Mission Australia's Rebuild program was officially launched by Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips and State Member for South Coast Liza Butler along with COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW PHN. 

Mrs Phillips said Rebuild would deliver life-saving impacts, especially through expanded face-to-face support in Shoalhaven and Goulburn-Mulwaree.  

"We’re making sure people have access to real, compassionate care in their community when they need it most," Mrs Phillips said. 

“The number of deaths by suicide in New South Wales is staggering, so it’s crucially important that we provide services on the ground that can reach people during times of distress.” 

Ms Butler said the expansion of Universal Aftercare was an important milestone for the region. 

“Recovering from a suicidal crisis is incredibly tough, and no one should have to do it alone,” she said. 

“The right support can truly make a difference. Feeling seen, heard, and genuinely supported is what helps people take those first steps toward healing and hope.” 

COORDINARE CEO Prudence Buist said: "As an additional provider, Mission Australia's Rebuild program complements the support provided by Grand Pacific Health (GPH)'s Next Steps program, which has been operating for more than seven years and has developed strong referral pathways with mental health services”.   

"Our partnership with Mission Australia and GPH plays to the unique strengths of each organisation. Both services are based on the emerging evidence for peer work in helping people with suicidality on their recovery journey through connection, compassion and tailored support,” Ms Buist added.  

Mission Australia Program Manager Michele Lanigan said the Rebuild program would ensure accessible support for people after a suicide attempt or crisis, including men and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

“It also builds pathways to reach those experiencing suicidal distress who seek help through social support services - such as financial aid, relationship support, or unemployment assistance - rather than the health system,” Ms Lanigan said. 

“In aftercare services, a support coordinator or peer worker provides tailored support based on an individual’s needs and goals for up to three months. 

“This includes developing safety and support plans and connecting them with formal or informal supports to address the drivers of suicidal distress and contribute to long-term recovery.” 

In NSW, more than 850 people die from suicide each year and it is estimated that during that time another 25,000 will make a suicide attempt.  

More than 50 per cent of people who die by suicide do not interact with the public health system in the year prior to death, highlighting the importance of finding new ways to reach people in distress.   

Universal Aftercare services are guided by the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation’s Universal Aftercare Service Delivery Model and are designed to be flexible and person-centred. 

Funding for aftercare services is provided under the bilateral and co-funding agreement between NSW and Commonwealth governments. COORDINARE is proud to partner with Mission Australia to deliver improved outcomes for all people in South Eastern NSW at increased risk of suicide. 

COORDINARE is committed to strengthening mental health and suicide prevention services across South Eastern NSW, and to supporting collaboration between experienced local providers, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District and Southern NSW Local Health District to deliver effective care.  

To access Mission Australia’s service email Rebuild@missionaustralia.com.au or phone +61 459 598 958. 

Refer to mindframe.org.au for support and advice on reporting of suicide-related stories.  

Additional support details:

If you, or someone you are with, is in immediate danger call 000.   

If you are feeling distressed and in need of assistance, please contact:  

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• 13YARN: 13 92 76
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
• Men's line: 1300 78 99 78
• Veteran's Line: 1800 011 046
• Qlife: 1800 184 527
• Kids helpline: 1800 55 1800  

Support for those impacted by suicide loss is available from StandBy Support After Suicide (24/7, phone 1300 727 247) and Thirrili Indigenous Postvention Support (24/7, phone 1800 805 801).  

Minds Together ​- ​a free online program for family, friends, carers and kin who are supporting someone following a suicide attempt or experiencing suicidal distress. 

Pictured above: Fiona Phillips MP, Member for Gilmore, Liza Butler, Member for South Coast, Prudence Buist, COORDINARE's CEO with Mission Australia's Program Manager Michele Lanigan, Area Manager Helen Fuller, Care Co-Ordinators Rourke Armstrong and Rianna Steel and Peer Workers Ella Davidson and Meg Tanner.