More ways to reach people when they need support most
At a glance
367 people supported through Universal Aftercare
10,618 occasions of service delivered across the Murrumbidgee
Expanded referral pathways connecting people with support through GPs, aged care providers, headspace centres and schools
In 2025-2026 Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) expanded its Universal Aftercare service.
While aftercare support has existed in the Murrumbidgee for several years, people previously generally needed to come into contact with Local Health District clinical mental health services to access it. Yet many people experiencing suicidal thoughts or following an attempt never present to hospital or specialist mental health services.
Recognising that gap, MPHN expanded referral pathways to include GPs, aged care providers, headspace centres and schools, creating more opportunities for people to reach support through services and settings they already know and trust. Delivered by Wellways Australia, the service has no waitlist and makes contact within one business day of receiving an eligible referral.
“Since opening up our referral pathways we have seen a significant increase in referrals, highlighting the diverse range of places and services people connect with when experiencing distress,” Wellways General Manager, Zoe Evans, said. “Universal Aftercare has supported us to connect with people earlier, provide support quicker and work with individuals and families to provide wraparound care.”
During 2025-2026, Universal Aftercare supported 367 people through 10,618 occasions of service.
The expanded pathways are also helping the service reach groups identified as particularly vulnerable. In the most recent reporting quarter, 35% of referrals were for men, 32% for young people, 11% for older people and 20% of participants identified as First Nations.
For MPHN, the change is about ensuring a person does not have to arrive at one particular door before help can find them. By creating more pathways into aftercare – and addressing the real-life circumstances that can sit behind suicidal distress – more people can be connected with support earlier and closer to where they live.
PULLOUT STORY:
When Kate* was referred to Universal Aftercare, the challenges facing her family extended well beyond her mental health.
Their family business had closed, debts and unpaid bills were mounting, and they had fallen behind in their rent. Her two children, who live with disabilities, were no longer attending school. Kate was experiencing significant emotional distress and suicidal thoughts and struggling to imagine a hopeful future.
Through Universal Aftercare, Kate was supported by both a Support Coordinator and Peer Worker. Together, they helped her tackle some of the practical circumstances contributing to her distress – connecting her with legal assistance, supporting her through housing proceedings and helping her family access GP and community mental health services. Peer support also gave Kate a safe space to be heard and develop strategies for coping and rebuilding her confidence.
Eventually, Kate and her family relocated closer to extended family. Her children returned to school, she established new social connections and routines and began rebuilding her financial independence through her own small business.*Name changed to protect the participant’s identity and privacy.