Universal Aftercare

Universal Aftercare is a tailored, non‑clinical service for people who have experienced a suicidal crisis or attempted suicide.

The program, jointly funded by the Queensland and Commonwealth governments, is delivered by Wellways Australia in partnership with local Hospital and Health Services across our region: including Cairns, Townsville, and Mackay and Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN).

Universal Aftercare provides free, personalised, non‑clinical support for people who have recently attempted suicide or experienced a suicidal crisis. The service offers compassionate, practical, and tailored assistance during a vulnerable time helping individuals regain stability, strengthen support networks, build a sense of safety, and reconnect with community.

Who can access the service?

Universal Aftercare is available to anyone who has:
Attempted suicide, or
Been assessed as at imminent risk of attempting suicide

Referral pathways

Referrals to Universal Aftercare are currently made exclusively by clinical staff, with pathways developed in close partnership with:

Townsville Hospital and Health Service
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service
Mackay Hospital and Health Service

Codesign with local communities

In shaping Universal Aftercare, we listened deeply to the voices of local people, lived experience advocates, community organisations, and partner services. Their perspectives were central in creating a service that feels safe, respectful, and genuinely person‑centred.

View the consultation and codesign summary reports in the resources section.

Ways forward

Ways Forward is a free and inclusive service providing a safe and welcoming space for people aged 18 and over who are supporting someone at risk of suicide. The program provides education, emotional support, and connection for people who often play a critical, but under‑recognised, role in suicide prevention.

Originating from the Universal Aftercare 2023 codesign process and informed by outcomes from the earlier pilot, the program is funded consistent with Universal Aftercare and delivered by Wellways across Cairns, Townsville, and Mackay. Ways Forward contributes significantly to strengthening community‑based, wraparound care for individuals, families, and loved ones impacted by suicidal crisis.

Universal Aftercare