We are proud and humbled that Movember-pioneered mental health support service The Way Back is set to receive an additional $37.6 million in funding from the Commonwealth.
The Way Back targets the group of Australians most at risk of suicide – those who have previously tried to take their own lives – with the aim of preventing repeat suicide attempts and suicide deaths.
The Way Back pilot programs were funded by the Movember Foundation in partnership with beyondblue, who implemented the service at its first two locations in the NT and NSW.
“We are incredibly proud that the Movember Foundation has pioneered The Way Back’s success through our initial investment of $2.25 million back in 2013,” said Movember Foundation CEO Owen Sharp. “Through securing the backing of the Commonwealth Government, this much-needed resource can now be rolled out to additional locations around Australia, providing a lifesaving service to support more than 28,000 people at high risk of suicide.”
About 200 Australians attempt suicide every day and of those, on average, eight will die. Three out of every 4 suicides are men.
The Foundation stands with beyondblue Chair Julia Gillard in commending Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt for his commitment to reducing Australia’s suicide rate, while also backing Ms Gillard’s call for additional support to enable a national roll out.
“At the Movember Foundation we look to invest in projects that are having a real impact on the lives of men,” said Mr Sharp. “There is clear evidence that The Way Back has both a measurable and significant impact, as beyondblue has reported that the suicide rate for people who have engaged with the service is less than one per cent.”
Prior to discharge from hospitals, people are referred to The Way Back Support Service where they are assigned a professional worker who provides practical, day-to-day assistance. This includes accessing follow-up treatment and services and keeping important appointments. Up to one quarter of those discharged from hospital following a suicide attempt will try to take their own lives again in the next three months and around 10 percent of this group will die by suicide.
The Way Back Support Service is part of the Movember Foundation’s Men’s Suicide Prevention Program, which features a range of projects aimed at reducing the impact of suicide among Australians and their friends and families.
