People living in the Northern Territory will soon have access to a new healing and recovery service for suicide prevention, with funding from Northern Territory PHN and the NT Government.
NT PHN is working with service provider Danila Dilba Health Service to deliver the $3.3 million community-led program which aims to help reduce suicide rates in the NT.
The Greater Darwin Healing and Recovery Service will provide tailored support to Territorians experiencing a suicidal crisis or who have attempted suicide, as well as their family.
NT PHN Chief Executive Officer Gill Yearsley said the program has been carefully designed to ensure it meets the complex mental healthcare needs of Territorians.
“The new Darwin Healing and Recovery Service is being led by community voices,” she said.
“The Territory’s population is over-represented in suicide statistics, particularly within the Aboriginal population, so we need to ensure Territorians have access to appropriate mental health and suicide prevention services.
“Working closely with First Nations service providers and community members to deliver culturally safe mental health support is an important part of this new service.”
Danila Dilba Health Service Chief Executive Officer Rob McPhee said the new program will be locally responsive and person-centred.
“The facts tell us that the relative risk for suicide or self-harm following an earlier suicide attempt is incredibly high,” he said.
“There has been broad consultation with 19 local organisations, review of the best available evidence and workshops focused on co-design with community members, government and community providers to ensure all stakeholders can have a say.”
“Through integration, we will ensure clients receive the right care at the right time, increasing their sense of safety and well-being.”
The program will initially run for 5 years.
