Macedon Ranges: review and implementation of postvention protocol

In 2020, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) undertook a review of the Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Suicide and Sudden Death Plan. As part of the review, several recommendations were made to strengthen the existing plan. These included further clarity on roles and responsibilities of partners involved in coordinating a response and strengthening data-sharing arrangements.

This activity was part of the Macedon Ranges Place-Based Suicide Prevention Trials.

A Support After Suicide Project Working Group was set up to oversee the review of the plan and endorse any amendments. The Suicide Prevention Program Officer implemented recommendations from the review and worked with partners to identify further activities which can build postvention capability. These included:

• Formalising arrangements (through Jesuits Social Services -Support After Suicide) to ensure personnel who support this work have access to clinical supervision and debrief.
• Developing a Memorandum of Understanding with partners to ensure clarity on their responsibilities to support the effective operation of the revised protocol.
• Raising awareness of the protocol across supporting organisations with responsibilities.
• Working with Be You, a national headspace initiative, to provide postvention planning training to schools.