We’re putting the spotlight on mental health in this monthly feature. Learn more about SWSPHN commissioned services, projects and events, and find guidance on navigating the mental health system.
This month we’re highlighting Lifeline Macarthur and Western Sydney.
What services and supports does your service provide?
Lifeline coordinates and offers a range of suicide prevention and aftercare services including crisis support (13 11 14), support groups, and suicide prevention training. This includes:
- Lifeline Crisis Support Suicide Aftercare Program provides telephone-based support to those experiencing suicidal distress and/or have attempted suicide.
- Gatekeeper Training providing the necessary skills to assist the community to be resilient.
- ECLIPSE Support group, an eight-week program for those who have attempted suicide.
- Suicide Bereavement Support, a four-week closed or monthly open group program for those who have lost someone to suicide and would like a safe place to share their thoughts and feelings.
- Suicide Prevention Regional Hub providing a directory of local community services that can be accessed online.
- Lifeline Mobile Café providing mobile outreach crisis support to those who may not necessarily access traditional methods of support.
- Lifeline financial counselling for those who may need assistance with financial concerns.
What are your service location/s and service hours?
- 13 McPherson Road, Smeaton Grange
- 13 11 14 – phone, text and online messaging 24/7
- Suicide prevention and financial counselling – 8.30am to 4.30pm
- Gatekeeper training is delivered throughout South Western Sydney and is advertised on Eventbrite for all locations and hours
What is the eligibility criteria to access your service and are there any targeted supports to specific population groups?
Lifeline Macarthur and Western Sydney’s Crisis Support Suicide Aftercare Program and ECLIPSE Support group are available to people over the age of 18 residing within South Western Sydney who have recently been discharged from hospital following a suicide attempt, or who are experiencing a suicidal crisis. The Suicide Bereavement Support Group is available to anyone over the age of 18 who has lost a loved one to suicide.
Gatekeeper training is available to anyone aged 18 and over residing/studying/working within South Western Sydney and interested in increasing their knowledge and skills with suicide awareness and mental health training. Tailored workshops have been arranged for senior high school students and specific cultural groups.
Does your service provide support to people who don’t speak English as a first language? If so, what supports are available?
We provide support to all people who are eligible for our programs, including people who don’t speak English as their first language. In such instances we will work with a free interpreting service and in collaboration with other stakeholders.
Our workshops can be tailored via an interpreter, when necessary. A workshop was recently delivered at the Fairfield Women’s Health Service for women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse refugee backgrounds, and an interpreter was collaboratively engaging with participants during the workshop.
Support can be provided through the Translating and Interpreting Service and in collaboration with other services.
How can people be referred?
People can be referred into the Lifeline Aftercare program through the Lifeline Macarthur and Western Sydney website or referral form. ECLIPSE and Suicide Bereavement Support groups are self-referrals by contacting Lifeline Macarthur and Western Sydney. Accessing Gatekeeper training can be found through Lifeline Macarthur Eventbrite.
Local case study/example of a client journey when accessing your services, including:
The client was referred to the Lifeline Aftercare program for active suicidal ideation, self-harm and previous suicide attempts. This client is supported through the Lifeline Aftercare program, whereby the Aftercare team contacts the client twice a week, as agreed, during the initial intake, and updated as needed. The contact provides a safe space for the client to increase their coping mechanisms and support them to keep safe when experiencing a crisis. The program works with the client on their safety plan and ensures it is relevant and stays up-to-date. The client is engaged with family supports, the 13 11 14 crisis line, their local GP and Safe Haven. The client has been able maintain resilience in times of crisis since accessing the Lifeline Aftercare Service and is maintaining their personal and occupational commitments.
Additionally, all clients have access to ECLIPSE groups, which support them through a structured eight-week program in an open, safe and non-judgmental environment, where clients explore their thoughts, feelings and coping mechanisms with others with lived experience.
A day in the life of Suicide Prevention Team Leader Anne Rogers
Anne has worked with the Suicide Prevention team for more five years and is committed to supporting people experiencing suicide ideation or who has survived a suicide attempt. Anne supports the Suicide Prevention team and starts her day by checking any new referrals and client correspondence, which is then shared with the Suicide Prevention team. During this time, Anne also checks in with the team and provides any support or guidance that is needed.
Anne’s day then differs greatly depending on the calendar of events. On days where Anne is facilitating the ECLIPSE group, she prepares for the group by collating the necessary workbook/resources for that week and checking in with each participant and supporting them through their needs, including de-escalation, as needed.
Anne then spends her afternoons providing one-on-one support through the Lifeline Aftercare Program and ensuring all outcome measures have been completed and uploaded into the system.
Anne finds the most challenging aspect of her role is managing the increasing demand of clients experiencing suicidal ideation. During COVID-19 we have seen a significant increase in referrals for people who have not accessed any services at all in the past.
Anne’s job is most rewarding when she sees the positive change in clients and they are supported through one-on-one and group meetings, where they connect with other participants and form a lived experience connection, supporting each other. Anne has seen a positive reduction in participants’ intensity of suicidal distress.
Outside of work, Anne loves to listen to audio books in her spare time and spends time with her family, who she sees at least once a week catching up for a cuppa.
Find out more
Visit the Lifeline Macarthur and Western Sydney page on this website for more information.
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