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The Border Watch : November 1st 2013
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NEWS TIPS newsroom@tbw.com.au NEWS 21 Service stands by bereaved families South East gains access to national support network for people affected by suicide K G ge KELLY-BAKKER GEORGIA georgia@tbw.com.au SOUTH East families bereaved by suicide will have access to a national response service after the National StandBy program was launched in Mount Gambier last week. National StandBy coordinator Jill Fisher fl ew into the region to present service providers with information on the program with the help of Mount Gambier’s Uniting Communities and Lifeline South East. The Federal Government funded program, which was spearheaded by Queensland-based not-for-profi t organisation United Synergies, uses existing emergency and community support services to offer a 24-hour coordinated crisis response for people bereaved by suicide. Those bereaved will also have access to the program regardless of when or where the suicide occurred. Ms Fisher said she was excited to bring the program to the South East. “We did some analysis across Australia to identify the different areas that had high needs and this region was identifi ed,” Ms Fisher said. “Eve Barratt from Lifeline has also been asking for this for many years, so we are excited that it is happening.” Ms Fisher said she was confi dent the roll-out of StandBy would be effective in the region. “We’ve been doing it for some years SUPPORT AVAILABLE: Lifeline South East’s Eve Barratt, Uniting Communities Standby coordinator Lincoln Hannett, Uniting Communities group manager Kathy Binks and StandBy coodinator Jill Fisher at the launch of the support service. and we’ve found there is always amazing community willingness,” she said. She said the service was unique as it provided an individualised response from a single point of contact. “It might be that a family really needs some counselling so we can link them to Lifeline or it might be that the family says they need food,” she said. “We are also fi nding in the early stages it is practical support people need rather than just counselling, so if they have a funeral they might appreciate it if some food can be provided. “That can make a difference to peo- ple’s psychological sense of control.” Uniting Communities recently appointed StandBy coordinator Lincoln Hannett and he said he looked forward to delivering the program. “People bereaved by suicide can feel isolated, so this program will provide another level of support,” Mr Hannett said. “This is a very important position and I am looking forward to the challenges with a wonderful support team.” The launch was held at the Lakes Resort last Thursday. For help with mental health problems call the Lifeline crisis support service on 131 114. NEW FORCE: Senior Seargent Chris King speaks at the launch of the StandBy program. Pictures: GEORGIA KELLY-BAKKER If you’re looking for a great job in the Limestone Coast, look no further than Jobs.com.au. Set up a job alert and have the latest jobs matching your search criteria sent to your inbox, daily or weekly. 627974 The Border Watch, Friday, November 1, 2013 - 21
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