Evaluation of suicide prevention activities

Community Connections Toowoomba

Page last updated: January 2014

1. Project Profile

Project Name(s)Community Connections Toowoomba
Funded OrganisationToowoomba Older Mens Network Inc
Geographical AreaState-wide
State/TerritoryQueensland
Approach(es)Selected and Indicated
Individual/GroupIndividual and Group
LIFE Action Areas
  • Improving the evidence base and understanding of suicide prevention
  • Building individual resilience and the capacity for self-help
  • Improving community strength, resilience and capacity in suicide prevention
  • Taking a coordinated approach to suicide prevention
  • Providing targeted suicide prevention activities
  • Implementing standards and quality in suicide prevention
Target Groups
  • Men
  • People living with a mental illness
  • People who have previously attempted suicide
  • Rural and remote communities
  • Older people

2. Project Description

The Community Connections project delivered by the Toowoomba Older Mens Network aims to:
  • Expand the capacities of existing rural older men's groups in order to ensure they remain functional and sustainable in high-risk rural communities
  • Positively support the role of older men supporting older men in the community, focusing on enhancing the status and value of this work in the Toowoomba and regional community
  • Increase social and emotional support for at-risk older men in selected aged care facilities, retirement villages and 'over 50's accommodation through the extension of outreach older men's groups
  • Reduce the risk of suicide for older men who require greater professional intervention by establishing community networks of older men in a safe and known environment.

3. Activities

To achieve the above aims, the project undertakes the following activities:
  • Aim 1 – to expand the capacities of existing rural older men’s groups in order to ensure they remain functional and sustainable in high-risk rural communities. Activities include Men's Muster, newsletters, promotional and networking activities, support visits to Men's groups.
  • Aim 2 – support the role of older men supporting older men in the community, focusing on enhancing the status and value of this work in the Toowoomba and regional community. Activities include maintaining the volunteer program, assessing and identifying the needs of at-risk older men in the community and implement appropriate outreach services and support, training and developing volunteers who play a critical role in suicide prevention.
  • Aim 3 – Increasing social and emotional support for at-risk older men in selected aged care facilities, retirement villages and 'over 50's accommodation through the extension of outreach older men's groups. Activities include providing professional support to existing groups to ensure their long-term sustainability and capacity to meet the ongoing and transitional needs of older men within their facilities; establishing new men's groups to address social isolation, grief and loss, loneliness, depression and transitions experienced by older men; providing training and awareness on older men's issues to staff working in local aged care accommodation.
  • Aim 4 – Reducing the risk of suicide for older men who require greater professional intervention by establishing community networks of older men in a safe and known environment. Activities include providing initial crisis intervention and professional support to members and clients to address critical issues when they occur and to promote improved chances of effecting change; building professional relationships with community health services and local agencies to facilitate referral pathways for long-term counselling and professional support. Top of page

4. Funding

  • Round 1
    • NSPP funding
      • 2006/07 - $238,775
      • 2007/08 - $416,302
      • 2008/09 - $206,595
    • % project funding - 100%
  • Round 2
    • NSPP funding
      • 2009/10 - $263,179
      • 2010/11 - $314,105
    • % project funding - 100%
  • Round 3
    • NSPP funding
      • 2011/12 - $312,675
      • 2012/13 - $318,303
    • % 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) - 3
    • Number staff positions filled (FTE) - 3