Supporting the supporters of mental health in the Hunter.

There are nearly 2,400 suicide attempts in the Hunter every year.

Family members, friends and carers play an important role in supporting the recovery of a person who has attempted suicide. In conjunction with the start of Mental Health Month, beyondblue has launched The Way Back Support Service which will be delivered in the Hunter by a consortium of local organisations including Hunter Primary Care.

As part of this broader program, nib foundation, opens in a new tab is supporting the Guiding Their Way Back Support Groups that are designed to support the family and friends of those who have attempted suicide.

The groups have been developed by the Hunter Institute of Mental Health and will be delivered by Relationships Australia.

Guiding Their Way Back is a free service that starts with an information session followed by four, weekly, two-hour education and support group meetings.

The groups provide practical tips on how to offer support during what can be a distressing and bewildering time, including to talk to the person, and provide them with practical and emotional support; increasing understanding of suicide; and how to access support services.

They also offer the opportunity for participants to build friendships and support networks with other people who are going through a similar experience.

In supporting this program, nib foundation understands there is a gap in evidence-based support services available to assist the family and carers of people who have attempted suicide. The foundation is proud to support the design, delivery and evaluation of this new approach which promises to bridge this gap and improve the recovery outcomes for those who have attempted suicide.

It’s hoped the pilot will lead to the service being available in other parts of Australia in the future. Learn more about the partnership with beyondblue on the nib foundation website, opens in a new tab

###Up next:

• Read about how nib supports mental health care, opens in a new tab

• Be good to yourself, opens in a new tab and improve your health

• Don't wait forthe New Year! Create healthy habits, opens in a new tab today