‘Next Steps’ program

What is Next Steps?
Next Steps is a peer-led clinical program for people experiencing suicidal distress. The program is designed to provide compassionate, practical support to help you feel safer and take steps toward building the life you want.

Who is Next Steps for?
Next Steps is available to individuals aged 16 and older who live in South Eastern NSW and have been having thoughts about ending their life. The program is led by peer workers who have personal experience with mental health challenges, working closely with clinicians to support you. If you are currently experiencing serious thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

How does Next Steps work?
Once referred to the program, a team member will reach out to you. We will work together for up to 12 weeks to help you feel safer and begin taking steps toward building the life you desire. Support is typically provided at one of our hubs, but we can also meet you in the community or offer support by phone if that suits you better.

How can you access Next Steps?
Access to Next Steps requires a referral from one of our NGO partners or hospital staff in South Eastern NSW, such as those from SafeHaven or Community Mental Health teams. They will assist you in completing the Next Steps referral form. You must provide consent to participate in the program.

If you are a referrer and need assistance with the referral process, please contact the Next Steps team on 4220 7600 or email nextstepscoordinator@gph.org.au.

Please note that self-referrals and the GPH Mental Health Referral e-form are not accepted for this program.

Where is Next Steps delivered?
Next Steps is offered throughout South Eastern NSW, with hubs located in Wollongong, Nowra, Moruya, Goulburn, Queanbeyan, and Bega.

Cost
Next Steps is a free service, funded by COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN.

Accreditation
Next Steps is accredited by QIC, NSMHS, and SP Standards.

What is a Peer Worker?
A Peer Worker is someone who has personally faced mental health challenges and used mental health services. Their own journey of healing and recovery allows them to understand and support you in navigating your mental health needs.

What is a Clinician?
A clinician is a team member who has studied mental health. Often, they are social workers or psychologists who listen to you, understand your strengths and challenges, and work with you to develop strategies to achieve your goals.

Important Contacts
If you are currently experiencing serious thoughts of self-harm, please call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. You can also contact:

• Mental Health Line (24/7 support): 1800 011 511
• Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National): 131 450 (ask for the Mental Health Line)
• National Relay Service (for hearing/speech impairment): 1300 555 727 (ask for the Mental Health Line)

Additional support lines:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Lifeline Text: 0477 131 114
• 13YARN: 13 92 76
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

Available at

• Grand Pacific Health Bega

  • Rooftop Level, Bega Village, Unit 1, 83 Upper Street, Bega, 2550, NSW
  • PO Box 513 Bega NSW 2550
  • Phone 02 6494 8800
  • Fax 02 6494 8855

• Grand Pacific Health Goulburn

  • 13-17 Verner Street, Goulburn, 2580, NSW
  • PO Box 322 Goulburn NSW 2580
  • Phone 02 4824 4900
  • Fax 02 4824 4990

• Grand Pacific Health Moruya Vulcan Street

  • Unit 8, 73 Vulcan Street, Moruya, 2537, NSW
  • PO Box 586 Moruya NSW 2537
  • Phone 02 4474 8500

• Grand Pacific Health Nowra

  • 107 Scenic Drive, Nowra, 2541, NSW
  • PO Box 516 Nowra NSW 2541
  • Phone (02) 4448 2255
  • Fax (02) 4448 2288
  • Email info@gphnowra.org.au

• Grand Pacific Health Queanbeyan

  • 34 Lowe Street, Queanbeyan, 2620, NSW
  • PO Box 1204 Fyshwick ACT 2609
  • Phone 02 6298 2900
  • Fax 02 6298 2982

• Grand Pacific Health Wollongong

  • Suite 1, Ground Floor, 336 Keira Street, Wollongong, 2500, NSW
  • PO Box 1198 Wollongong NSW 2500
  • Phone 1800 228 987