For many individuals, The Way Back Support Service (TWBSS) in Cairns serves as a crucial lifeline and vital support for those living with suicidal thoughts following a suicide attempt.
Suicide attempts can be linked to feelings of helplessness or being overwhelmed by a situation. These stressful life events can include relationship difficulties, social isolation, loss of a job or income and financial or housing stress.
For one woman, the service has been her source of hope after facing health challenges, relationship and financial stress, and a history of childhood abuse.
She was supported with a safety and support plan to help manage her health conditions, set and attend appointments to gain additional supports, and submit an NDIS application. She also received help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Meanwhile, another participant experiencing a relationship breakdown and work stress had turned to alcohol. The service helped them reconnect with alcohol rehabilitation support, supported their employer regarding mental health, and explored breathing techniques and communication strategies with the participant. Additionally, TWBSS provided support to the family.
A recent participant said the program had “given me a safe environment to open up and have healthy conversations with a peer support worker, which helps me understand mental health more in-depth and helped me to identify my needs”.
Through the service, the participant was able to access peer support workers, psychologists and mental health professionals, and resources for education.
These are just some of many stories that illustrate the impact TWBSS has on people’s lives.
The suicide prevention service provides essential psychosocial support for both individuals and their families, helping them build a support network and connect with tailored services.
Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) funds Wellways Australia to deliver universal aftercare through the TWBSS, in partnership with Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (HHS).
It’s meaningful work that Natalie White, the Wellways Suicide Prevention Manager Queensland, describes as “so much more than a job.”
“Everyone here has their own story, their own lived experience of suicide, and each of us is here is deeply connected to what we do,” Ms White said.
“It’s so much more than a job to us.”
TWBSS provides three months of flexible support via phone, face-to-face, or online and helps to increase social connectedness, improve access to clinical and community support services, and build the capacity of individuals to self-manage and improve mental wellbeing.
Ms White said those who engaged with the service and its 12-week program experienced positive outcomes.
“People are the experts in their own world,” Ms White said. “Across the board, the people we work with leave the support service in a better place.
“We provide people with a safe and supportive environment where they can express their feelings and experiences without fear of judgment. This open and inclusive atmosphere fosters a sense of acceptance and understanding.
“For many, it is a lifeline, offering hope for the future by helping them build a support network and connect with services that can be tailored to their needs.”
After completing the 12-week program, Ms White said participants often reported feeling more comfortable discussing their emotions and demonstrated a reduction in psychological distress and suicidality.
“The program's approach is rooted in empathy, connection, and personalised support, and focuses on building coping strategies to equip individuals with the tools to navigate life's challenges and setbacks more safely,” Ms White said.
“Men can often struggle with the idea of sharing their story with us, and some are so guarded they take a long time to open up. The program operates in a holistic, non-clinical, and non-judgmental manner, focusing on building trust and rapport with individuals.
“Through active listening and personalised care, the program aims to accompany participants on their journey towards recovery.
“Practical assistance is provided, such as navigating financial issues and accessing social services like Centrelink, and there is an emphasis on building life skills, including communication and relationship building.
“The program also offers advocacy support, for instance, when it comes to informing the workplace of the challenges the participant is facing.”
Individuals are referred to the service through the Cairns and Hinterland HHS. Participation in the 12-week program is voluntary.
