The Care Connect program has expanded into the Hunter and Central Coast areas, provided by community service organisation Social Futures. Care Connect provides aftercare support for individuals who have experienced a suicidal crisis or suicide attempt. Teams at the newly established offices in Narara and Charlestown provide outreach services to visit people where they are, in addition to offering support via telehealth and in-person at the office locations. A referral from a doctor or medical professional is not needed to access the Care Connect service, call 1800 719 625.
The Care Connect program is now available in the Hunter and Central Coast areas through community service organisation Social Futures, increasing aftercare support for individuals who have experienced a suicidal crisis or suicide attempt.
Social Futures’ expansion of the Care Connect service footprint sees newly established locations up and running in Charlestown and Narara, and builds on their existing suicide prevention service teams operating in the Upper Hunter and Manning regions.
Melissa Wiseman, Senior Manager – Suicide Prevention and Community Care with Social Futures said aftercare support is focused on recovery through personalised, non-clinical and community based services.
“We’re here to support people in a non-clinical way, which means professionally trained program workers are available to provide practical, emotional, and social support in an everyday environment,” said Ms Wiseman.
“We work alongside people to help them determine what it is they need to feel socially connected and mentally well, and help them to build their capacity for safe living by strengthening their support networks.”
“Support is tailored to each individual’s unique circumstances and complements clinical care, ensuring a vital continuity of support which we know is so important.”
Funded by the Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network, the Social Futures Care Connect Service operates Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, with after-hours support available 7am-7pm.
“We’re proud to support the expansion of Care Connect into the Hunter and Central Coast, ensuring more people can access compassionate, community-based care following a suicidal crisis,” said Leah Morgan, Senior Manager of Mental Health and Wellbeing at the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network.
“Aftercare services like this are a critical part of the suicide prevention system, providing connection, support and hope at a time when it’s needed most.”
With 118 referrals received since 5 May, Social Futures’ Narara and Charlestown teams are actively providing outreach to visit people where they are, in addition to offering support via telehealth and in-person at the newly established offices.
A referral from a doctor or medical professional is not needed to access the Care Connect service. Individuals who would like to find out more can complete the enquiry form at socialfutures.org.au/care-connect or call 1800 719 625.
Service providers can refer people to Care Connect through the online referral form at socialfutures.org.au/care-connect/ to receive a guaranteed response within 24 hours, including weekend and public holiday periods.
