Danila Dilba to open $3.3 million Darwin Healing and Recovery Service

A prominent health body is set to open a community-led suicide prevention program that focuses on families as well as clients.

A new suicide prevention service will build stronger communities around some of the Territory’s most vulnerable while delivering informed and inclusive services.

The Danila Dilba Health Service will receive $3.3 million for its new Darwin Healing and Recovery Service thanks to the NT government and NT Primary Health Network.

Danila Dilba Health Service chief executive Rob McPhee said the new service would ensure clients receive the right care at the right time to boost wellbeing and safety.

Danila Dilba chief executive Rob McPhee. Picture:(A)manda Parkinson

“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.”

The service will build on local and national connections over the next five years and will incorporate a “flexible approach to integrate social and generational changes”.

It will operate as an additional investment to the new Royal Darwin Hospital’s Mental Health Inpatient Unit and can be used to deliver the same services to non-Aboriginal Territorians.

NTPHN chief executive said the NT was overrepresented in suicide statistics.

Suicide Prevention Minister Selena Uibo. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Minister Selena Uibo said the service would also provide support to a client’s family.

“Suicide attempts and crisis are griefs that are shared by everyone in the community. The Territory Labor government is focused on supporting all Territorians with their mental health, Ms Uibo said.

“We know that the emotional and mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is inextricably tied to the health of their family and community.”

• The bullet point summary was created with the assistance of AI technology (PaLM2) then edited and approved for publication by an editor.

Originally published as Danila Dilba to open $3.3 million Darwin Healing and Recovery Service