Can an aftercare service reduce suicide risk in young people? An evaluation of the O-HOPE service.

The Orygen Hospital Outreach Post-suicidal Engagement (O-HOPE) aftercare provide intensive, person-centred multidisciplinary support, which is tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of the individual. The treatment will be administered by a multi-disciplinary team of health professionals and peer support workers, Eligible young people are contacted within 24 hours of hospital discharge, and provided with weekly face-to-face 1-h sessions for up to three months. Holistic support across psychological, family, psychosocial including peer support, physical domains is offered based on each young person’s unique stressors and needs. Psychological treatment modules will include, but not be limited, the following: suicide safety planning, behavioural activation, emotional regulation, brief (CBT) interventions targeting substance use, depression etc. Psychosocial interventions include housing and employment assistance, or referral to a range of support services, such as education and training, legal support, Centrelink, drug and alcohol and family work intervention. HOPE clinicians also work collaboratively with the young person’s support system (family/carers, educational/vocational, healthcare and community support providers) to understand, respond to and meet the wellbeing needs of the young person.