By Deanne Jeffers
Content warning: The following story contains references to suicide and some readers may find it distressing.
SARA Hoffmann of Numurkah is advocating for critical changes in mental health emergency response protocols after the tragic loss of her partner, Shane, to suicide. Faced with the harrowing experience of paramedics waiting for police to arrive before intervening, Ms Hoffmann has launched a petition, gathering over 1,400 signatures to address this urgent issue.
Shane, aged 39, battled with mental health challenges, a struggle compounded by the scarcity of immediate support in rural areas like Numurkah. Despite his courageous decision to seek help, they faced many obstacles accessing care.
“We were all surprised when Shane wanted to get more support with how he was feeling. I think having two young kids changed him and made him want to get help,” she said.
Hindered by lengthy waitlists and unable to get face-to-face care, Shane’s eventual diagnosis came only through persistent efforts. While he had managed to get psychiatric support, Ms Hoffmann said Christmas had been a hard period and he was in, “a bit of a state.”
The dire consequences of this flawed system were tragically revealed when Shane, in distress, locked himself in a shed at home. Despite Sara’s urgent call for assistance, paramedics were unable to intervene until police arrived, leaving precious moments ticking away. Determined to reach Shane, Sara took matters into her own hands, but tragically, it was too late.
Since sharing her story, Sara has encountered numerous others with similar distressing experiences, underscoring the pressing need for reforms in mental health emergency responses. Sara’s petition serves as a clarion call for policymakers to prioritise immediate access and support for individuals facing mental health crises, ensuring that no one else suffers the devastating consequences of delayed intervention. You can read about Ms Hoffmann’s experience online and sign the petition online at Change.com: https://bit.ly/49wxzjR
If you or anyone you know needs help:
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line 13YARN on 13 92 76
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
Headspace on 1800 650 890
ReachOut at au.reachout.com
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
