More hospitals to offer HOPE mental health program to Victorians after suicide attempts

A PROGRAM to support suicide survivors is being expanded across regional areas in a $18.7 million bid to cut suicide rates across Victoria.

A PROGRAM to support people after a suicide attempt is being expanded across regional areas where mental health issues are more prevalent.

The Hospital Outreach Post-suicidal Engagement program tracks and supports suicide survivors for three months after they are discharged from hospital.

It is being expanded to another six hospitals and health services in a $18.7 million bid to cut suicide rates across Victoria.

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More than 500 people have been assessed by the program already, including more than 120 through The Alfred hospital since June last year.

The Alfred’s HOPE team leader Dr Daniel Rylatt said the program filled “gaps” in support and helped people work towards “a life that they find worth living”.

The Alfred was among the first to trial the HOPE program. Picture: Dean Simon

“The service at the hospital has been very good,” Dr Rylatt said.

“But when people hadn’t previously been followed up by the hospital, gaps were opening up.

“By being in the picture for a three-month period, we get to walk along someone and find out where those gaps are opening up.”

Analysis of The Alfred’s trial has shown a reduction in distress and suicidality, and an increase in hopefulness.

The program has been running at Peninsula Health, St Vincent’s Hospital, Barwon Health in Geelong, Eastern Health in Maroondah and Albury Wodonga Health in Wangaratta.

It will now be expanded to Casey Hospital, Latrobe Regional Hospital, Sunshine Hospital, Werribee Mercy Hospital, Ballarat Health Service, covering Horsham, and Bendigo Health Service, covering Mildura.

Mental Health Martin Foley. Picture: AAP/Mal Fairclough

Mental Health Minister Martin Foley said more than 600 Victorians took their own lives each — twice the number of people killed on the state’s roads.

“It is a tragedy that reverberates right around our state to every community and every town,” he said.

“We know that mental health issues generally and suicide in particular are over-represented in our regional and rural areas.

“That is why this program, this time, has a very strong focus on areas like Bendigo, Ballarat, Horsham, Wangarrata, Mildura.”

— For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au/gethelp

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