StandBy Response Service - Suicide Bereavement

Coordinated community crisis response service for families, friends and associates who have been bereaved through suicide.

Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and 24/7 Crisis Service

Suicide is a very difficult topic to discuss, especially when at times there is still a stigma associated with the term ‘Suicide’. However, it is a topic that needs to be discussed in order to educate and provide a better understanding of the impact of suicide upon families, friends and communities and obtaining a greater awareness of suicide bereavement.

The StandBy Response Service can initiate and facilitate these conversations within a safe and comfortable environment, providing strategies and techniques to not only those bereaved by suicide, but anyone wanting to further their understanding and awareness.

Whether it is in regards to obtaining information and service/agency numbers if required or equipping themselves with adequate tools and skills to support those bereaved by suicide.

The StandBy Response Service is often notified immediately when a suicide has occurred within the ACT region.

With the consent of those affected StandBy would then contact each individual to offer support and assistance. StandBy would at times encourage a face-to-face or telephone postvention within a period of time after the suicide has occurred. The postvention provides individuals and groups the opportunity to have some of their questions or queries answered and StandBy can assist in being able to answer some of the queries presented.

When meeting with those affected, StandBy can become a referral pathway to services while still maintaining contact with anyone who would like to be contacted. StandBy does this for a period of 12 months.

A suicide does not have to occur recently for StandBy to become involved. The suicide could of occurred several years ago.

StandBy can work with anyone – schools, workplaces, sporting clubs, education institutions.

StandBy can also run information sessions and workshops to small and large groups.