Grand Pacific Health today officially launched the Suicide Prevention Initiative ‘Next Steps’ with the NSW Minister for Mental Health The Hon. Tanya Davies.

The Illawarra/Shoalhaven service will be delivered by Grand Pacific Health, Flourish and South Coast AMS and will provide 'Aftercare' support for people who present to local Emergency Departments in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven following a suicide attempt or with high suicide risk.

"Grand Pacific Health is extremely proud to be the lead agency for the intensive psychosocial clinical and peer support service." said CEO Ron de Jongh.

"Effective suicide prevention requires a whole of community response, so I am delighted that we are joined by many other colleagues from local organisations as we celebrate this important milestone together," added Mr de Jongh.

The NSW Government’s 2016/17 Budget announced a ‘Suicide Prevention Fund’ of $8 million over four years. The Fund is designed to support non-government organisations and community based organisations to improve responses to suicide prevention at a local level.

The "Next Steps" service represents the largest single program funded under this initiative.