Training & education
Suicide prevention is everybody’s business, learning the skills to recognise the signs is a simple and effective way to build resilient communities.
Intervention and training programs that focus on teaching the skills for recognising at risk individuals and better equipping them to support and respond is vital in reducing the suicide deaths and attempts.
Mental Health First Aid
MHFA teaches people the skills to help someone who they're concerned about.
There are five core Mental Health First Aid courses available that have been developed to teach participants how to assist people within specific population groups. After completing a core Mental Health First Aid course, participants are eligible to complete an online assessment to become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider. Accreditation lasts for a period of 3 years.
There are also a range of specialised Mental Health First Aid courses available to teach participants how to help someone experiencing a specific crisis or situation.
safeTALK training
safeTALK is a half-day alertness workshop that prepares anyone over the age of 15, regardless of prior experience or training, to become a suicide-alert helper.
Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t truly want to die but are struggling with the pain in their lives. Through their words and actions, they invite help to stay alive. safeTALK-trained helpers can recognise these invitations and take action by connecting them with life-saving intervention resources, such as caregivers trained in ASIST.
ASIST
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two-day course based on an international model, which is designed to help people respond to signals of suicide.
Much like safeTALK, the course is delivered under LivingWorks, and offers a safe environment for individuals to understand the signs of suicide and understand those who may be reaching out for help.
CALM
CALM is a one day program also delivered by Suicide Programs, and is suicide intervention / prevention program based on the latest research.
The course is able to be adapted with the use of different role plays, videos, statistics and age / gender relevant research to meet the needs of specific cohorts.
There are two apps that support this program:
- Be Safe - freely available internationally through which a person is able to develop a safety plan for themselves.
- Be Calm - only available to people who complete the program and is a summary of the trainings and prompts should somebody be engaging in a conversation.
The program draws on motivational interviewing, trauma informed practice and the latest safety planning theories to help members of your business/organisation be informed when it comes to individuals at risk of suicide.
For costs, curriculum and enrolment:
CALM Care
CALM Care is a 3.5 hour evidence and lived experience based program, delivered for businesses/organisations and is based on a four step model:
- Connect – raising awareness and providing information to individuals
- Ask – engaging in conversation with someone at risk of suicide
- Refer – including how to make a warm referral
- Exit – ensuring the person is connected to the right support post conversation
The course is delivered both virtually as well as face to face and is supported by an app which can be provided to the person at risk as an immediate help seeking tool
For more information including costs and enroment:
Accidental Counsellor
Accidental Counsellor is a 6.5-hour course that helps those who struggle to know how to respond to others in distress. Sometimes it can be hard to know the right thing to say, or to assist someone going through a difficult time. Accidental counsellor gives you the practical skills to provide the assistance they need in the easiest way possible.
The training offers engaging videos, and a 24-page workbook filled with information and exercises.
For costs, curriculum and enrolment:
CORES (Community Response to Eliminating Suicide)
CORES training provides participants with an introduction to suicide statistics and stigma; suicidal thoughts, behaviours, signs and indicators; the importance of self-care for mental health and well-being are discussed; and strategies for assessing, understanding and assisting a person considering suicide are practised, with a focus on utilising existing community resources.
This training is designed for all members of the community from 15 years of age and upwards, including individuals, groups, schools and organisations. The program provides people with a pathway to involvement in suicide prevention and arms them with the skills to be able to take these protective behaviours and practice them in the wider community.