The activity seeks to establish two Distress Brief Support Trial sites in country South Australia, with delivery of the program aligned to the National Principles and Operating Guidance for the DBS Trial (December 2023) (Appendix A) and be delivered in accordance with the local specifications as outlined in the Country SA PHN Distress Brief Support Program Guidelines (Appendix B).

Distress Brief Support is a community-based approach to supporting people experiencing distress, and includes two elements:

1. Identified Community Engagement Points, individuals and local groups that provide an immediate compassionate response to a person in the community who is experiencing stress or distress, along with the offer of connection to further support.

2. A Short-Term Support Team, providing compassionate practical support and solutions to manage distress, working to establish connections to longer term support with and for the person.

Distress Brief Support is a short-term program (up to 3 weeks) providing early support to people aged 18 years and above experiencing distress.

To implement this model, Country SA PHN is seeking organisations to:

1. Employ a Short-Term Support Team (applicants will be able to apply to deliver services in one or both identified regions, including Port Lincoln and surrounding area, and/or Whyalla and surrounding area) and

2. Engage and provide training and support to Community Engagement Points to support their capacity and capability to respond to people experiencing distress.

Community Engagement Points are well established and embedded in the local community and already provide natural support to people experiencing distress. This may include, but not limited to, community groups, faith settings, pharmacies, local council offices, and other social services. Importantly, for the success of the Distress Brief Support activity, consideration must be given to how to best engage Community Engagement points, to facilitate referrals and make training available at a time and place of convenience.

Distress Brief Support recognises that while clinical intervention can be effective, it is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, Distress Brief Support will focus on understanding how a person's distress can be managed and de-escalated in a less confronting, non-clinical setting. Distress Brief Support will help participants develop skills to effectively manage their distress and connect them to local services for continued support in the community.

Activities must be delivered to the Eyre Peninsula, specifically targeting the following regions:

Port Lincoln (and surrounds)

Whyalla (and surrounds)