The period immediately following a suicide attempt or self-harm incident is critical for reducing ongoing suicide risk. Suicide aftercare during this time is vital for preventing re-attempts, addressing underlying health issues, and establishing the right support services.

 

Despite a national focus on suicide prevention, access to timely and effective aftercare remains a challenge in Australia. Existing services are often overburdened, geographically limited, and fail to consistently reach those discharged after a crisis and their families. This gap in support increases the risk of further suicide attempts and hinders recovery.

 

AWL is supporting SANE to develop a world-first Digital Aftercare program that ensures no one leaves a suicide-related crisis without immediate support and a clear path forward. SANE aims to provide a universal and scalable solution that bridges existing gaps by leveraging technology to facilitate access to  a personalised online portal that provides regular communications to enable individuals and families receive timely information and support to navigate the crucial period after a suicide crisis.

 

SANE Digital Aftercare will be integrated into the broader SANE psychosocial support platform, enabling individuals and families/carers to have free and ongoing access to personalised support that meets their needs. The seed funding provided by AWL is supporting Phase 1, involving co-design with the lived experience community to develop a robust, safe service model.

 

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