What the Royal Commission said
The Royal Commission's interim report called for an increased focus on suicide prevention. The report recommended expanding the Hospital Outreach Post-suicidal Engagement (HOPE) program from 12 sites to all area mental health services across Victoria.
The recommendation also called for further outreach in rural and regional areas, additional referral pathways and extended service hours so more people can access the HOPE service. It also included a new HOPE service for children and young people who have self-harmed or are at risk of suicide.
HOPE is an aftercare service for people who attend a hospital emergency department in crisis or following a suicide attempt. Aftercare refers to the practical and therapeutic support provided to those who have attempted suicide or are experiencing suicidal thoughts to reduce the risk of and/or prevent a subsequent suicide attempt. Evidence shows that follow-up care from a multidisciplinary team for people who are experiencing suicidal distress will reduce the likelihood of future suicide attempts.
HOPE provides peer, wellbeing (psychosocial) and clinical support to individuals and their personal support networks including family, friends and other carers. The program provides up to three months support to addresses the complex issues and life stressors that can lead to someone feeling suicidal.
What are we doing?
We are working with area mental health services to:
Expand HOPE state-wide
The HOPE service has been expanded from the initial 12 sites to all 22 Victorian regions.
This expansion involved extra resources for regional HOPE programs to establish outreach services in nine subregional health locations so that people in these communities can access much needed aftercare support closer to home.
We are working with new and established HOPE providers to ensure there is a consistent approach to how the HOPE service is delivered across all sites.
Enable broader access to HOPE
In partnership with area mental health services, we are expanding referrals pathways into HOPE so more people in need can access their local HOPE service without the need to attend a hospital emergency department.
It is expected that ‘out of hospital’ referral pathways will help people to access support before they experience suicidal crisis and also reduce pressure on hospitals.
We are also providing HOPE services with additional resources to offer HOPE support after hours, in the evenings and at weekends, so that people can receive help at a time that suits them.
Deliver a new HOPE service and care model designed for children and young people
A new child and youth HOPE service is operating at four specialist youth mental health services recommended by the Royal Commission:
- Monash Children's Hospital
- Alfred Health
- Royal Children's Hospital
- Orygen.
The child and youth HOPE care model was designed with young people and their families, carers or other personal support networks. The program is delivered by a multidisciplinary child and youth-friendly workforce, including peer workers, wellbeing workers, and clinicians and has strong links to other mental health, community and youth-focused services.
An evaluation of the service is underway which will inform future scope and expansion.
Reviewed 20 August 2024