Primary Health Networks (PHNs) were established with the key objectives of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes, and improving coordination of care to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

The South Eastern Melbourne PHN (SEMPHN) catchment encompasses an area comprising 1.6 million people and stretches from St Kilda to Sorrento and as far east as Bunyip, including the major population hubs of Monash, Dandenong, Moorabbin, Caulfield, Cranbourne, Frankston and Pakenham.

From 1 July, 2016 PHNs adopted a commissioning approach to procuring medical and health care services which is based on an assessment of the health and wellbeing needs of the community. This work determines the priority areas and guides the scope of the commissioning process.

Suicide is influenced by multifaceted factors, impacting not only family and friends of a loved one who has died by suicide but also broader networks. Recent research efforts into suicide prevention provide new learning for service models that can better meet the complex set of needs to reduce suicide, implement more collaborative service provision, and work with communities to enhance awareness and integration.

SEMPHN invites tender submissions to commission up to four innovative suicide prevention services that address one or more stages of the suicide prevention continuum—prevention, intervention, and postvention—to reduce suicide risk and distress. These services should include Targeted Regional Initiatives for Suicide Prevention (TRISP) and/or other commissioned activities that address key risk factors and strengthen community resilience. There is a preference for one service to be delivered by an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO).

SEMPHN has a total program budget of up to $800,000 (ex GST) over Financial Years 2024/25 and 2025/26, which will be distributed across the commissioned services. To maximize impact and reach, proposals requesting less than $200,000 (ex GST) over this period, including establishment costs, will not be considered (note this excludes submissions from ACCO which will be considered irrespective of bid amount).