When suicide happens, it does not only end one life, it ripples across families, friends, schools, sporting clubs, workplaces and communities. Research shows that active postvention can lower suicide risk, yet many families still face silence, stigma, and gaps in care. StandBy Support After Suicide (Wellways) is leading work in this space, showing that structured postvention can build safer, connected communities.
In Victoria, the Ballarat Postvention Response Protocol (BPRP) was developed to coordinate services, police, schools, and health providers after a suicide. It provides a step-by-step system: rapid activation, shared planning, and outreach not only to family but to anyone impacted. This approach ensures grief is met with support at every layer of community.
The BPRP was activated in Ballarat in 2025, following the deaths of three young people between February and May. StandBy, worked with Victoria Police, Grampians Health, West VIC PHN, headspace, and education services to map risks and build joint responses. Community supports extended to schools, clubs, and peer networks, ensuring that vulnerable young people were not left behind.
Through BPRP it was identified that the impact was wide. School wellbeing staff, under heavy strain, were directly supported so they could continue caring for students. Young people who were self-harming were identified early, and safety plans were built around them. StandBy worked with Grampians Health so that if someone linked to the deceased presented at hospital, they were prioritised rather than discharged as “low risk.” Sporting clubs were engaged for workshops for parents and coaches on recognising distress and supporting young person. Participants later shared that they felt less alone, while staff described relief that “someone was looking after us as well.”
A targeted social media campaign within a 15km radius also came out as a part of BPRP. It targeted young audience and shared information on where they could get support after a suicide loss. Standby had few engagements as a part of this social media campaign, and services reported fewer gaps, stronger referral pathways, and better coordination.
This coordinated response shows why the BPRP is different from standard postvention: it reduces immediate risks, strengthens community care, and prevents further harm. The National Suicide Prevention Strategy (2025–2035, p.41) calls for universal access to postvention services, including grief counselling, financial advice, and legal help. This presentation will share how the BPRP demonstrates that vision in action – uniting voices, reducing risk, and creating brighter futures after loss.