A WA-first trial in the Peel region has supported nearly 350 people impacted by suicide over the past two years, as part of the National Suicide Prevention Trial.
The post-suicide pilot program builds on the groundbreaking work of the Peel and Rockingham-Kwinana (PaRK) Community Response Group, established after a spate of teenage suicides in the region.
Over five months in 2016, four adolescent males died by suicide; they were understood to be connected to one or more of each other.
Under the current trial, in the event of a suspected suicide, WA Police connect the bereaved family with the program's Primary Care Navigator (PCN).
PaRK Group chair Stephen Batson said a rapid response is crucial to supporting grief.
"Early intervention is the key to preventing, or at least minimising, long-term mental health issues for the bereaved," Mr Batson said.
"Prior to the trial, families may not have known about the availability of specialised counselling support, or how to access it. Research shows the importance of support during the critical period immediately following a sudden loss.
"We know the impact of bereavement by suicide can significantly affect the health of those left behind. This can include increased risk to themselves, including suicidal behaviour."
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Community Engagement and Bereavement practitioner Caroline de la Harpe said there were many challenging issues particular to suicide loss.
"People often find it hard to talk about their loss and can feel isolated in their grief," she said.
"By reaching out and making contact proactively at that critical early stage, support is offered at a time when the person may be feeling too overwhelmed to access help for themselves.
"When I speak with someone bereaved by suicide, the sense of relief is palpable. To talk of their experience without fear of judgement or worry at how the listener might react, provides early opportunity to process the trauma.
"The PCN is critical for post-suicide care. Connection helps build resilience in the wake of trauma."