Victorian Primary Care Partnership

South West Victoria has the highest percentage of registered mental health clients in the state (24.7% in 2013 compared to the Victorian average of 13.8%). In 2015, a study revealed that the rate of suicide across South West Victoria had doubled between 2009-2014. In 2013, a multi agency partnership was developed to address increased demand for crisis support, suicide prevention and postvention services. Initially, partners focused their efforts on coordinating postvention responses to support; families, schools, work-places, and sporting clubs following a suicide. Member agencies would come together at short notice following a suicide and deliver an integrated response.

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