Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), in partnership with Townsville and Mackay Hospital and Health Services (HHSs), is pleased to announce Wellways as the provider of the universal aftercare service for the greater Townsville and Mackay regions, including rural and remote areas. 

The universal aftercare service will deliver timely psychosocial support to people 15 years and older who have attempted suicide or who are experiencing a suicidal crisis.  

NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Sean Rooney said the service would also include specific psychosocial services for family, friends, and other support people who were caring for someone who had experienced suicidal crisis or an attempt.  

“We recognise that suicide prevention is an important health need for our community given the complex life issues that some North Queenslanders experience,” Mr Rooney said. 

“We are pleased to be able to provide additional services and support for those experiencing suicidal issues and, importantly, support for their family and loved ones. 

“The universal aftercare service assists people on their journey by keeping them connected with clinical and non-clinical support services and networks. 

“People using the service will receive timely, personalised, and culturally appropriate support.” 

Mr Rooney said NQPHN was pleased to be working with Wellways and the Townsville and Mackay HHSs’ clinical teams; a sentiment shared by Wellways Chief Executive Officer Laura Collister. 

“Wellways is proud to once again partner with Northern Queensland PHN and Queensland Health to provide vital aftercare support services for individuals experiencing suicidality in Townsville and Mackay,” Ms Collister said. 

“Our partnership has a strong foundation delivering these services in Cairns.  

“Our extensive network in Townsville and Mackay, from the suicide prevention community capacity-building work we do there, will enable us to quickly begin offering support, hope, and life-changing outcomes for individuals, their families, and carers.” 

Once the universal aftercare services are established, HHS mental health services and emergency departments, and other approved health services, will be able to refer people for support. 

Townsville Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Kieran Keyes said the service would provide timely support. 

“Townsville Hospital and Health Service is committed to providing comprehensive mental health support to our community, and this partnership with NQPHN to provide universal aftercare services through Wellways allows us to do just that,” Mr Keyes said. 

“This service will provide vital, timely support for individuals who have experienced a suicidal crisis, ensuring they receive the care they need to navigate their recovery journey.  

“Collaboration with NQPHN and Wellways allows us to strengthen our mental health services across the region, and supports our ongoing commitment to provide accessible, high-quality care to those who need it most.” 

Mackay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Susan Gannon welcomed the announcement. 

“Suicide has a profound impact on persons, families, and the larger community,” Ms Gannon said. 

“The addition of the universal aftercare service to the Mackay region strengthens existing suicide prevention initiatives in the healthcare system and broader community, which will provide person-centred, timely, and proactive support to those who attempt suicide or are experiencing suicidal crisis.” 

The Townsville and Mackay universal aftercare services are funded through the Commonwealth and State Governments’ Bilateral Schedule on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, and represent an extension of the original trial in the Cairns region of which Wellways is also the service provider.  

Wellways will deliver support in the Townsville and Mackay areas between 9am and 6pm on weekdays. Universal aftercare services will begin in October 2024.