After years of battling suicidality, feelings of isolation and struggling to find the right support, local resident, Michelle Levy, is hoping to save lives and make a positive impact as a Peer Support Worker in a new suicide prevention program for Coffs Harbour.
The Wesley LifeForce Aftercare program, created by Wesley Mission and being evaluated by the University of New England, has an innovative and multifaceted approach aimed at reducing suicidal distress and suicide deaths in the Coffs Harbour area.
Levy says Wesley Lifeforce Aftercare offers so much more than what she experienced in the past with her own supports. “It works in helping people integrate back into the community in a much safer way and believes people have the strength to create their own recovery story.”
Levy says, “I’m at a place in my recovery where I can share my story and my battles with suicide. As a Wesley LifeForce Aftercare Peer Support Worker, I run a Peer Support Group and it’s a really amazing experience.”
The Peer Support Group is a safe space for people, who are experiencing suicidal distress to share their experiences and connect with each other.
Levy adds, “It’s also an opportunity to go through strategies that myself and others in the group have actually experienced and that have worked for us.
Program Coordinator, Bonnie Leighton says, Wesley LifeForce Aftercare also addresses the uncertainty people, their families and carers often feel about where to go next for help immediately following a suicidal distress.
“We have purposely made Wesley LifeForce Aftercare easily and quickly accessible allowing people to refer themselves or get in touch via the GP or hospital system.
Wesley LifeForce Aftercare works proactively with the individual, their family, carers and those existing supports to coordinate the services and supports for each person.
Importantly, Wesley LifeForce Aftercare also provide support groups for family members and carers. “We understand how challenging it can be helping loved ones. The support groups provide the space for families and carers to have people walk alongside them and a provide a forum to share experiences.”
Studies have shown humans struggle in isolation and thrive with connection. The Wesley LifeForce Aftercare program aims to build connection through one-on-one interactions, peer support and family/carer support groups to make Coffs Harbour a suicide safe, resilient community.
In addition to linking participants to community supports and services, Wesley LifeForce Aftercare, has the capacity to connect to services in the broader reach of Wesley Mission such as housing assistance, financial support and emergency relief.
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Wesley LifeForce Aftercare
Wesley LifeForce Aftercare provides suicide prevention services that educate and empower local communities to support those most at risk and prevent suicide. Wesley LifeForce Aftercare takes a comprehensive approach to tackling suicide by working cross the areas of prevention, intervention and postvention.
Wesley LifeForce Aftercare can offer:
- one-on-one support for up to 14 weeks
- peer and carer support groups
- free suicide prevention training
Support groups
As part of the Wesley LifeForce Aftercare service, participants have the opportunity to join a support group where they can connect and share their experiences in a safe environment.
Support groups for families and carers are also offered that provide information and resources to assist you.
Eligibility
To participate in the Wesley LifeForce Aftercare program you must be:
- be 18 years or older
- live in the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area
- not currently be supported by another suicide aftercare service
- be experiencing suicidal distress or self-harm behaviour
Referral Process LifeForce Aftercare
Get a referral from your doctor, hospital, community service or refer yourself
Call us on 02 5646 5718
Email us at aftercare@wesleymission.org.au
Visit us at wesleymission.org.au/lifeforceaftercare
Wesley LifeForce Aftercare will contact you within 48 hours (two business days) to discuss your support plan
Helplines
Emergency 000
Lifeline 13 11 14
24 hour Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
13YARN 13 92 76
QLife 1800 184 527