Introduction

MPHN was a high-fidelity trial site for the Black Dog Institutes LifeSpan project. This laid the foundations and partnerships for a focus on suicide prevention within the region. In 2018, MPHN commissioned Beyond Blue’s The Way Back Support Service which provides non-clinical support to people following a suicide attempt.

In 2018, key stakeholders involved in suicide prevention in the Murrumbidgee region came together for a roundtable discussion on current initiatives, challenges, and gaps in suicide prevention and postvention strategies. This included the consideration of existing responses to suicide events and other critical incidents with the community and how the region and its emergency and mental health services could improve localised support. Areas of focus were agreed to by roundtable members with the development of the first Priority Action Plan to help guide activities. mphn.org.au/s/Murrumbidgee_Suicide_Prevention_Priority_Action_Plan_FINAL.pdf

Progress on agreed key priority areas included the formalisation of the Local Response Group (LRG) to ensure coordinated and timely supports are put in place following a suicide event or critical incident. A communications and response protocol was developed which governs and supports the work of the LRG.

In 2020, members of the roundtable meetings agreed to become the Murrumbidgee Suicide Prevention and Aftercare Collaborative, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to suicide prevention and aftercare for the Murrumbidgee region.