In 2021-2022, an average of 25 people attended Darwin emergency departments each week experiencing suicidal ideation. Alarmingly, the rates of lives lost to suicide across the Northern Territory are three times higher than the national average, with Indigenous Australians largely over-represented in these statistics. Support following a suicide attempt is essential, however, many aftercare programs and mental health services fail to provide cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, resulting in poor engagement. To address rates of suicide and suicidal crisis, and large numbers of individuals falling through the gaps, a new model was proposed: The Healing and Recovery Service (HRS). This presentation aims to explore the benefits and outcomes of universal service provision in Australia. It will outline the collaborative approach and utilise case studies to provide insight into the first 12 months of service delivery.
The HRS is a culturally led aftercare service, steered by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Danila Dilba, in partnership with Neami National. It is commissioned in line with the Culture Care Connect suicide prevention strategy led by National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, and funded through the Northern Territory Primary Health Network.
The model was developed over 12 months, supported by Impact Co., through extensive collaboration and consultation, comprising; 14 stakeholder interviews, stakeholder workshops and a meeting with 22 community members, including those with lived experience. Stakeholders included Elders, service providers and relevant Government members.
Commencing in April 2024 with a carefully staged and phased approach, the HRS delivers short-term psychosocial support through assertive outreach that incorporates safety planning, social and emotional wellbeing, and service navigation. It is non-clinical and addresses social determinants of suicide while prioritising self-determination and action.
The referral process acknowledges that Indigenous people may elect to work with a non-Indigenous service due to personal reasons such as shame or stigma. If an Indigenous consumer selects Neami, Danila Dilba and Neami collaborate to provide culturally appropriate care. As of September 2024, the service is supporting a diverse range of ages, cultural backgrounds, and genders. The HRS is the first in Australia to offer universal service provision: a collaboration that supports both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous consumers through the service partnership. The HRS has a unique monitoring and evaluation framework. Through validated evaluation methodologies and culturally sensitive metrics, it aims to honour the values of respect, reciprocity, and resilience within First Nations communities, facilitating meaningful outcomes and embedding sustainable healing pathways.