Building Resilience In the Central Highlands (B-RICH)
This project focuses on early intervention and prevention strategies, such as training and support for parents of adolescents and training for teachers in the Tasmanian Central Highlands. This project is managed by Go!Highlands Incorporated – Central Highlands Tasmania.
Aims
The B-RICH project aimed to increase community capacity and knowledge through:
- suicide awareness and prevention workshops for community groups, health workers and community
- workshops and training for teachers
- social skills and confidence building for young people
- training and support for parents of adolescents.
Duration
The B-RICH awareness project ran from February 2007 to November 2007. It is hoped that recommendations from the program will be adopted in the future.
Location
The B-RICH program serviced the Central Highlands of Tasmania.
Model
The B-RICH model required a tailored approach that used known suicide prevention initiatives designed for:
- community
- teachers
- youth (12–15 years)
- parents.
Activities
- youth mentoring through aquaculture and fly-fishing programs
- consultation with local community groups such as sporting and social clubs
- community suicide forum
- suicide prevention workshops
- theatre production addressing depression and suicide, followed by group discussion
- social skills, confidence building, and bullying awareness workshops in high schools
- investigating career pathways
- social outings
- BBQ for parents of youth participating in programs
- family engagement activities such as a mother/daughter day.
Evaluation
B-RICH evaluation was conducted largely through analysis of pre and post activity questionnaires.
Lessons learned
- Allocate a considerable amount of time to inspire youth to participate in programs.
- Transport to and from events may be required.
- Introducing suicide prevention in remote and rural areas is a gradual process.
- Initial awareness raising can facilitate later participation in training and workshops.
- Youth respond well when activities are fun and localised.
Project partners
Partners who participated in the program with Go! Highlands Inc. included:
- Central Highlands Regional Health Services
- secondary schools
- fly fishing instructors
- Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC)
- Colony 47 – people working together
- trained facilitators of Suicide Awareness and Prevention Workshops.
More information
For more information email Tracey Turale
tracey.turale@dhhs.tas.gov.au