The Way Back Service – Penrith offers vital non-clinical psychosocial support services to individuals who have recently been discharged from hospital following a suicide attempt or crisis for up to 3 months. The Way Back team includes local peer support coordinators with lived experience of suicide who play a vital role in the program, offering invaluable insight and understanding to those navigating similar experiences.
The service is designed for individuals aged 18 and older who have recently attempted suicide or experienced a suicidal crisis. Following such events, people often face significant distress and have a heightened risk of subsequent suicide attempts. The Way Back Service offers support for up to three months during this crucial period of heightened risk.
The program is tailored to address each person's unique needs and may include assistance with developing a personal safety plan, referrals to community resources like financial or relationship counseling, and support for accessing clinical care during high-risk times. Support can be delivered either in person or over the phone.
This dedicated program focuses on providing a supportive environment where healing and growth takes place.
The Way Back is funded under a bilateral agreement between the Federal Government Department of Health and Aged Care and NSW Health and is therefore a collaboration between Wentworth Healthcare and the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD).
Stride has been commissioned to provide the service in our region and initially this service is being piloted in Penrith only, with referrals only being accepted from Nepean Hospital’s Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre (PECC).
Emergency contacts
If you, or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, talking about self-harm, or is noticeably in serious distress, call triple zero (000).
Alternatively contact:
Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) mental health support line on 1800 595 212
Lifeline 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue Support Service 1300 224 636
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
13YARN offer a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.
