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Standing beside someone in distress: bush communities invited to have their say

Roses in the Ocean

Key Facts:

• Western Queensland communities invited to help create new peer-led suicide support service through community yarns, phone chats and survey
• Programme focuses on non-clinical support for family and friends supporting those in suicidal distress
• Face-to-face consultations to be held in Roma and St George in May, with phone and online options available
• Initiative aims to develop a culturally appropriate, bush-based support model complementing existing services
• Project led by Roses in the Ocean in partnership with Western Queensland Primary Health Network and STRIDE

People across Western Queensland who support a loved one through suicidal distress are being encouraged to take part in upcoming community yarns to create a service designed by and for bush communities.

Lived experience suicide prevention organisation Roses in the Ocean is inviting family members, friends and kin to help co‑create a new, non‑clinical, peer‑led support service that reflects the realities of supporting someone in distress or crisis outside metropolitan areas.

The Family, Friends & Kin Community Consultations, delivered in partnership with Western Queensland Primary Health Network (WQPHN) and STRIDE, will gather insights directly from people who know what it’s like to stand beside someone experiencing suicidal distress in rural Queensland.

“I know too well what it feels like to support someone I love who is experiencing thoughts of suicide. The greatest support I have ever received is from other people who have had similar experiences and those who know what it’s like to feel suicidal distress. I’ve been fortunate though to have access to these people, and this is what the Family Friends and Kin program hopes to be able to provide for others in this region.” – Roses in the Ocean’s CEO, Bronwen Edwards reflects on her personal experience supporting a loved one with thoughts of suicide

Rather than focusing on clinical responses, the conversations will explore what has genuinely helped, what hasn’t, and what kind of support families and supporters want and trust. The outcomes will shape a culturally grounded, “bush‑based” support model designed to complement existing local services, not replace them.  

From the third week of May, Roses in the Ocean will hold face‑to‑face consultations in Roma and St George, with plans to visit Central West Queensland communities later in the year. To ensure people in Western Queensland can participate regardless of distance or circumstance, consultations will also be available through one‑on‑one phone conversations and an online survey.

Anyone who has supported a loved one through suicidal distress, crisis, or an attempt — whether recently or years ago — is encouraged to take part.

Registrations are now open.
Further details and ways to get involved are available at: https://rosesintheocean.com.au/family-friends-kin-community-consultations/

In-person Community Yarns

Roma: Tuesday 19 May, 9am – 11am & 1:30pm – 4:30pm

St George: Wednesday 20 May, 10am – 1pm

Contact details:

Amy Biswas (she/her)

Head of Communications & Design

Residing and working on Gimuy-Walubura Yidinji and Djabugay Nation country

P: 0428 230 429

E: [email protected]