Supporter Autumn 2022
Support for those impacted by suicide AnglicareSA, through the StandBy Support after Suicide program, delivers support right across South Australia for those impacted and bereaved by suicide.
have been successful in establishing relationships and connections within different pockets of the community. This has led us to having the privilege of supporting those impacted and bereaved by suicide, along with delivering workshops to upskill the community to support others. As a part of StandBy’s outreach support, those impacted are gifted a hand- knitted bear crafted by community members who care. It is a lovely symbol of the care and support available. The impact this gesture has on those we support has been profound, with many grown adults, both male and female, being reduced to tears and taking comfort in these bears.
The partnership with StandBy began in July 2021, providing 24/7 support to any South Australian affected by suicide –individuals, families and friends, along with witnesses, first responders, service providers and whole communities. The grief that follows suicide is complex, and one suicide can impact hundreds of people. Those that are bereaved or impacted by suicide are at a greater risk of suicide themselves. Because people grieve in very different ways, support services may not be required for many weeks, months or even years in some cases. Since StandBy commenced in metropolitan Adelaide last year, we
How to refer to the service: Call 1300 727 247 to connect with your local StandBy coordinator. We take referrals from anyone – you can self-refer or call on behalf of another as long as you have their consent. commitment to make support services available for every Australian who is bereaved or impacted by suicide. The delivery of StandBy throughout South Australia is part of the Commonwealth Government’s “It can feel like a big step sharing your story with someone else and I am always struck by the courage of people in doing so, and what a privilege it is for me to be listening” she said. “For this wave of COVID in the state, where so many people have been affected, most of my contact was with those working with our older customers. The staff who contacted me spoke about feeling overwhelmed and anxious. “Talking to a chaplain does not change people’s circumstances, of course. But what I hope it does do is provide a safe, quiet space, with another person who is there just for you. “A space where a person can be brutally honest about how they feel and be affirmed in that, and can begin to process their feelings and the situation they find themselves in.”
Looking after our own
AnglicareSA’s Employee Wellbeing Chaplains provide practical, emotional, pastoral or spiritual support to AnglicareSA employees, volunteers and their families. They regularly visit work sites and are available to meet with employees and volunteers wherever it suits, including over the phone or online. Their confidential support is offered on work or personal matters and is entirely based on what employees and volunteers want to talk about. The role of the chaplains complements the Employee Assistance Program and ensures that our employees and volunteers have access to a range of different supports. Employee Support Chaplain, Paula Bullock, ( pictured left ) says the COVID pandemic has required a flexible approach to the support her team provides.
While AnglicareSA employees and volunteers are hard at work supporting South Australians in need, a team of very special people is working hard to support their needs.
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