Suicide Prevention Outreach Teams (SPOT) have been established across NSW as a component of the Premiers Priority, Towards Zeros Suicides Initiatives. Designed as assertive outreach-based care, SPOTs aim to engage with people where they live or anywhere they may require support.

Murrumbidgee LHD SPOT commenced service in July 2021 and is the only established NSW service that is virtual , using My Virtual Care for all service contacts. Virtual delivery means the service is available to all residents in Murrumbidgee LHD footprint. This allows equity of access to rural towns and properties, with services provided to people where they live and work (in-place delivery). The service was also able to become established and function during acute phases of the COVID 19 pandemic, when many services had to shut down or delay commencement.

The model of care was developed during a co-design process led by “inside out & associates australia” and contracted by NSW Ministry of Health in 2020. The co-design included people with lived experience, community stakeholder groups and MLHD staff involved in suicide prevention.

The team provides best practice crisis care and support to people experiencing suicidal distress or a situational crisis leading to increased risk of suicidal thoughts. The response is provided using a 'buddy' approach, by a peer support worker and clinician team .

Co-location of SPOT with the newly established Safe Havens in Wagga and Griffith and a single staffing model has benefits for staff, providing variety in day-to-day work, on site security in staff numbers and access to Clinical advice for Safe Haven staff.

There is a consistent growth in numbers of people in contact with SPOT since opening. A Co-design evaluation by “inside out & associates australia” in 2022 found the implementation of the service showed fidelity to the initial co-design .

Suicide Prevention Outreach Teams (SPOT) have been established across NSW as a component of the Premiers Priority, Towards Zeros Suicides Initiatives. Designed as assertive outreach-based care, SPOTs aim to engage with people where they live or anywhere they may require support.

Murrumbidgee LHD SPOT commenced service in July 2021 and is the only established NSW service that is virtual , using My Virtual Care for all service contacts. Virtual delivery means the service is available to all residents in Murrumbidgee LHD footprint. This allows equity of access to rural towns and properties, with services provided to people where they live and work (in-place delivery). The service was also able to become established and function during acute phases of the COVID 19 pandemic, when many services had to shut down or delay commencement.

The model of care was developed during a co-design process led by “inside out & associates australia” and contracted by NSW Ministry of Health in 2020. The co-design included people with lived experience, community stakeholder groups and MLHD staff involved in suicide prevention.

The team provides best practice crisis care and support to people experiencing suicidal distress or a situational crisis leading to increased risk of suicidal thoughts. The response is provided using a 'buddy' approach, by a peer support worker and clinician team .

Co-location of SPOT with the newly established Safe Havens in Wagga and Griffith and a single staffing model has benefits for staff, providing variety in day-to-day work, on site security in staff numbers and access to Clinical advice for Safe Haven staff.

There is a consistent growth in numbers of people in contact with SPOT since opening. A Co-design evaluation by “inside out & associates australia” in 2022 found the implementation of the service showed fidelity to the initial co-design .