Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) is pleased to announce Wellways as the new backbone organisation to facilitate the Suicide Prevention Community Action Plans (SPCAPs) in the Townsville region.

Wellways took on the role from 1 July 2023 and will continue working closely with the community to facilitate and support suicide prevention activities across the Townsville region (including Burdekin, Palm Island, Hinchinbrook, Flinders, Richmond, Charters Towers, and Cardwell Local Government Areas).

NQPHN has funded community-based suicide prevention activities through the SPCAPs program since 2018 and remains committed to this important work.

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 locations across the Townsville region, there is a real need for a structured approach to the facilitation of community-focused suicide prevention planning,” Ms Whyte said.

“We are pleased to be working with Wellways to continue this important work, which is heavily led by the local communities.

“NQPHN will work closely with the new and current agencies to ensure a seamless handover to support the ongoing development of the action plans and associated work.”

The NQPHN Health Needs Assessment (HNA) 2022-24 confirms the SPCAPs program in the Townsville and Burdekin areas as a vital response to the need for suicide prevention activities in these communities.

“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 Townsville and Burdekin regions,” 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 SPCAPs program transitioned from the outgoing agencies, selectability and Burdekin Community Association.

“We thank selectability and Burdekin Community Association for their work in the Townsville and Burdekin areas, and look forward to working with Wellways to continue the development and implementation of the Suicide Prevention Community Action Plans areas across the Townsville region,” 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.