Training
There are a number of training options available nationally for suicide prevention in Australia. Whilst every endeavour has been made by members of LIFE Communications team to list training that is relevant to suicide and self-harm prevention, LIFE does not endorse these programs or the materials they use. The following list should be used only as a guide.
Operated by: LivingWorks
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two day interactive workshop in suicide first aid. The program aims to enhance a caregiver’s ability to help a person at risk to avoid suicide. Participants learn to:
- recognise when someone may be at risk of suicide
- respond in ways that help increase their immediate safety
- understand why suicide thoughts are present and link them to further help.
The workshop also covers ways to care for and support oneself as a helper.
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Operated by: LivingWorks
ASIST T4T is a five day program designed to prepare candidates to become ASIST trainers. Candidate trainers will develop knowledge and competencies in preparing and presenting the ASIST program. The course includes:
- an overview of the ASIST program
- coaching on how to deliver course materials
- preparation and self-study time.
The ASIST program is an essential prerequisite to ASIST T4T.
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Operated by: LifeForce
Participants of this one day workshop will gain insight into suicidal ideation and learn how to identify warning signs and asses suicide risk. They will also learn how to:
- engage a suicidal person
- understand the role of the carer
- refer at-risk individuals to appropriate professional care
- be committed to suicide prevention in their community.
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Operated by: The Salvation Army
Available as a three day face-to-face course or as an online e-learning program, the Living Hope Bereavement Support Training Course (LHBSTC) aims to cover all aspects of suicide bereavement. The course covers:
- practical matters (funeral arrangements etc)
- the grieving process
- spirituality
- the impact of culture on grieving
- understanding emotions.
LHBSTC aims to give participants the skills and confidence to support people bereaved by suicide.
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Operated by: Orygen Youth Health
The Mental Health First Aid Program (MHFAP) is a 12-hour course designed to assist members of the public to support people with mental health issues. It aims to improve mental health literacy by increasing knowledge, reducing stigma and increasing supportive actions. The MHFAP teaches:
- symptoms
- causes and evidence-based treatments for depression
- anxiety disorders
- psychosis and substance use disorder.
It also covers steps to help people in crisis situations arising from these mental health problems. Recipients receive a course manual.
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Operated by: The Salvation Army
The QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) First Aid Course in Suicide Prevention is a web-based gatekeeper course that takes approximately one hour to complete. Participants will learn to:
- understand myths and facts about suicide
- recognise warning signs
- apply the ‘QPR approach’ to suicide prevention
- offer support to people at risk of suicide.
The course is recommended for any community member but is particularly relevant to people who engage with individuals who may have an increased risk of suicide.
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Operated by: LivingWorks
safeTALK is a half-day presentation intended to increase suicide alertness. Designed to complement the ASIST workshop, safeTALK alerts community members to signs that a person may be considering suicide. Participants will learn to apply basic TALK steps (Tell, Ask, Listen, KeepSafe) and how to connect those at risk of suicide with further suicide intervention help.
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Produced by: Crisis Support Services
This digital resource is designed for people working with men who may be at risk of harming themselves. It aims to equip people with the knowledge and skills to asses and respond to suicide risk in men. It covers the psychological features of suicide, skills for engaging men at risk and the ‘four ‘A’ model’ of crisis intervention (Alert, Ask, Asses, Action).
Crisis Support Services also operates a number of tailored training programs including suicide prevention.
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suicideCare: Aiding life alliances
Operated by: LivingWorks
suicideCare is a one-day, clinically-oriented exploration of the challenges presented to and the competencies required of the helper who works with people at risk of suicide on a longer-term basis. ASIST training is a prerequisite.
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Operated by: Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention (AISRAP)
This research and skills-based training is offered in three different forms:
- a two day workshop addressing the core issues of suicide prevention
- a one day workshop tailored to the specific needs of the participant group (may be specific or advanced in nature)
- two hour training modules, specifically designed for workers requiring specialised, introductory or advanced training. Eleven modules have been developed so far.
All training focuses on promoting evidence-based and best practice based suicide prevention, intervention and postvention.
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Operated by: Crisis Support Services
This one day workshop will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to:
- identify and assess suicide risk
- defuse crisis situations
- support people at risk of suicide
The session includes group discussion and covers the following topics:
- psychology of suicide and self-harm
- warning signs
- responding to threat
- referral
- self-care
For more information email Jane West, Training Manager, Crisis Support Services jwest@crisissupport.org.au
Operated by: LivingWorks
suicideTALK is a short community-oriented program that explores issues and attitudes in suicide prevention. By encouraging open conversation about suicide the program seeks to reduce stigma, promote life and enhance suicide safety. Some of the aims of the program are for participants to:
- increase personal commitment to suicide prevention
- support the growth of training opportunities in suicide prevention
- contribute to growing community awareness of suicide as a serious health problem.
Participant materials include a worksheet, information about community resources and handouts about suicide prevention.
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