Wollongong
- About us
- Our activities
- Activity highlight
- Get involved
- Contact us
- Location
- Supporters and partners
- Where to get help
- Latest News
- Useful links
- Helpful resources
About us
The Wollongong Suicide Prevention Network, an independent community based committee, works to reduce the impact of suicide in Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama.
Our activities
The Wollongong Suicide Prevention Network is involved in a number of suicide prevention projects and related activities. In collaboration with Wollongong Police, the network prepares local support packages for families in crisis. We develop local directories of suicide related services and identify service gaps and needs. The network distributes community information cards which contain local suicide related support numbers, websites and organisations.
Activity highlight
Family Support Packs
The Family Support Packs help families who are coping with the aftermath of suicide attempts or suicide loss. Front-line staff, from NSW Police and other services, distribute the support packs following family interventions. The packs provide information on suicide prevention or post-vention, depending on the families needs.
Families, often in a time of stress, are given quick access and information to a broad range of services. The packs help families without internet access, to easily identify and access help and support.
The packs bring together the best information relative to suicide, and are distinct from other mental health resources. They can also be used by other agencies.
Steps involved:
- Police representative requested information for families following crisis interventions related to attempted suicide and suicide.
- Sub-committee compiled list of suitable documents for inclusion in the packs.
- Documents were downloaded, printed or purchased. Plastic folders were purchased.
- Decision made to retain responsibility for the compiling and distributing the packs.
- Stickers for front of presentation folders designed.
- Use of police logo obtained.
- Packs assembled by sub-committee and volunteers.
- Introductory letters added to packs.
- Feedback data sheets added to the packs.
- Press release forwarded to media outlets.
- Presentation made to Wollongong area police.
Community impact:
The Family Support Packs are in strong demand by government health and allied services including NSW Police. As a result more and more service organisations are distributing packs to families in need.
Get involved
We need your involvement to help prevent suicide in our community. You can be involved in the Wollongong Suicide Prevention Network through:
- network membership: please enquire on the details below!
- attendance at suicide prevention events
- donations: the network relies upon donations to carry out it’s activities please contact us for more information.
Contact us
The Wollongong Suicide Prevention Network meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10.00 am at WCET/313, corner of Fox and Miller Streets, Coniston.
Wollongong Suicide Prevention Network
Phone: (02) 4227 1715 (please leave a message)
Fax: (02) 4226 4204
E-mail: wspnetwork@gmail.com
Location
The Wollongong Network is involved in the Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama local government areas, which includes a combined population of 271,000.
Supporters and partners
- Anglicare Community Care
- Bendigo Bank, Fairy Meadow
- Dads In Distress
- Edmund Rice College
- Healthy Illawarra
- Hilton King Lawyers
- Housing NSW
- Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service
- Illawarra Division of General Practice
- Koori Men’s Support Group
- Lifeline Illawarra
- South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service
- St. Vincent de Paul
- NSW Police, Wollongong & Lake Illawarra Commands
- Wesley Mission LifeForce
- Wollongong City Council
Where to get help
The Wollongong Suicide Prevention Network is NOT a crisis service. If you or someone you know might be in danger, seek urgent help. Call Emergency services - 000, or go to your local hospital emergency department.
Other counselling and crisis services include:
- Lifeline (24 hours) – 13 11 14
- Kids Help Line (24 hours) – 1800 55 1800
- Salvation Army Care Line (24 hours) – 1300 363 622
- Men’s Line Australia (24 hours) – 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service (24 hours) – 1300 659 467 Free national telephone support service for people at risk of suicide, their carers and those bereaved by suicide.
- SANE Helpline – 1800 18 SANE (7236)
Latest news
Useful links
- LifeForce Suicide Prevention Training – www.wesleylifeforce.org
- Youthbeyondblue – www.youthbeyondblue.com
- SANE Australia – www.sane.org/information/factsheets
- Reach Out! – www.reachout.com.au
- Living is for everyone – www.livingisforeveryone.com.au
Helpful resources
- Information brochure [PDF 1.3 MB]
- Sticker [PDF 800KB]
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