LGBTIQ+ Aftercare by Mind Australia

Mind Australia has defined a model called LGBTIQ+ Aftercare in consultation and collaboration with LGBTIQ+ organisations and advocacy groups.  

Aftercare offers support to LGBTIQ+ people who may be having thoughts or intentions of suicide. It offers recovery-focused, short-term, practical outreach and counselling-based support to find inclusive and affirming care and strategies.

Aftercare is designed as a suicide prevention and postvention service targeted at LGBTIQ+ individuals following either a suicide attempt or experience of suicidal ideation.  

It comprises 3 key support streams: 

1. Direct peer support – one-on-one sessions delivered by a peer worker.
2. Direct clinical support – one-on-one sessions delivered by a clinician.
3. Group peer support – group programs delivered by a peer worker.

At the client level, the program so far has been able to:  

• reduce suicidal ideation 
• improve mental health and wellbeing 
• build the resilience and capacity to manage suicidal ideation more effectively 
• strengthen connections with other LGBTIQ+ people.
  

At the system level, it was able to: 

• increase collaboration and integration between service providers 
• increase the capacity and capability of the system to more effectively support people who are LGBTIQ+.

Read the evaluation report for this project below and learn more about how this project was evaluated. The LGBTIQ+ Aftercare Trial Guide is also available to support other organisations to implement a similar program.

About the trial guide

These trial guides have been developed by the commissioned providers to give insight into the collaborative approach to developing and implementing the projects, an outline of the methodology involved, as well as some lessons learnt for future implementation. It is intended that these guides be used by other organisations who are interested in undertaking similar work. If you are planning on using any of the materials included within the Guides, we ask that you let us know. Specific contact details for commissioned providers are included within the documents, however please contact Susan Cadman, Manager Priority Populations at susan.cadman@nwmphn.org.au for more information.