Evaluation of suicide prevention activities

Expanded Horizons

Page last updated: January 2014

1. Project Profile

Project Name(s)Expanded Horizons
Funded OrganisationWesley Mission Brisbane
Geographical AreaLocal
State/TerritoryQueensland
Approach(es)Selected and Indicated
Individual/GroupIndividual and Group
LIFE Action Areas
  • Building individual resilience and the capacity for self-help
  • Improving community strength, resilience and capacity in suicide prevention
  • Implementing standards and quality in suicide prevention
Target Groups
  • Youth
  • People living with a mental illness
  • People who have previously attempted suicide
  • People who have self harmed
  • LGBTI populations
  • CALD communities
  • Refugee communities
  • People living with an alcohol or other drug problem

2. Project Description

The Expanded Horizons program is delivered in the Gold Coast Local area and aims to reduce the risk of suicide for two distinct target groups:
  • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Intersex, Questioning and Sistergirls (LGBTIQS) aged 13-17
  • Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) youth aged 13-17 years, or engaged in high school
The overall aims and objectives are to:
  • Support the target groups to increase protective factors and build resilience
  • Provide case management for individuals at high risk
  • Develop participants' positive connections to their identity
  • Enhance engagement with learning and/or re-engage participants into education and training
  • Increase protective factors by enhancing social support and cultural integration
  • Provide interventions to assist clients to have their needs met
  • Provide culturally appropriate opportunities for increased awareness of mental health

3. Activities

  • Assessing clients individually and offering case management to those most at risk
  • Providing brief interventions to support clients to access information, support and referral pathways
  • Group Drop-in service called "QSPACE" where clients are able to access support resources and information
  • Homework Club, to provide academic support as well as support with acculturation issues, provision of information in culturally appropriate ways, and developing support networks
  • Group activities to increase support, develop resiliency, and life skills as well as increasing protective factors, e.g. enhancing social support and cultural integration by supporting clients to attend activities including community programs, clubs (e.g. sporting clubs) and events; involving clients in an activity during Mental Health Week that promotes mental health and well-being; providing workshops, engaging clients in planning, preparation and support of Gold Coast Gay Day 2012 and 2013 Top of page

4. Funding

  • Round 1
    • NSPP funding
      • 2006/07 - $277,000
      • 2007/08 - $238,000
      • 2008/09 - $118,000
    • % project funding - 100%
  • Round 2
    • NSPP funding
      • 2009/10 - $213,950
      • 2010/11 - $223,174
    • % project funding - 100%
  • Round 3
    • NSPP funding
      • 2011/12 - $222,497
      • 2012/13 - $226,502
    • % project funding - 100%

5. Staffing

  • Round 1 (2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09)
    • Number staff positions funded (FTE) - 3
    • Number staff positions filled (FTE) - 3
  • Round 2 (2009/10, 2010/11)
    • Number staff positions funded (FTE) - 3
    • Number staff positions filled (FTE) - 3
  • Round 3 (2011/12, 2012/13)
    • Number staff positions funded (FTE) - 2
    • Number staff positions filled (FTE) - 2