Creating meaningful conversations and helping others seek support is crucial in preventing suicide within the region. Photo: Kobus Louw.
People living or working in the Illawarra and South Coast can now receive free access to training to equip them with the tools and confidence to recognise and respond to a family member, friend or colleague who may have suicidal thoughts.
A one-hour, self-paced online course could change lives, with the free suicide training teaching participants how to recognise changes in someone’s behaviour and start meaningful conversations and guidance on where to find further support.
“We know many people find it difficult to talk about suicide and while they want to do more to support others, they are uncertain how to help or are worried they may cause more distress,” COORDINARE Social Impact and Engagement Manager Jo Riley said.
“Undertaking this suicide awareness training can help build the confidence needed to reach in, start a conversation with someone you’re worried about, and support them to seek help.”
The Recognise and Respond training, which was developed by the Black Dog Institute, uses interactive content and videos to help educate and support community members, with the scenario-based approach allowing users to choose situations that reflect their own experiences.
With funding from the NSW Government, COORDINARE has launched the service for free in partnership with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative, Bega Eurobodalla Suicide Prevention Collaborative and the Goulburn and Region Suicide Prevention Network, to ensure that people of all professional backgrounds can engage in meaningful conversations about suicide.
“It’s a key time for focused conversations across communities about the role we all play in suicide prevention,” Ms Riley said.
“Suicide is a complex phenomenon, and every individual situation is unique.
“Collaborating ensures we embed suicide awareness within a broader suite of strategies to improve access to compassionate supports and to reduce the prevalence and impact of key drivers of suicide.”
Suicide is the leading cause of death in Australians aged 15 to 44, with more than 3000 dying by suicide every year and more than 55,000 making a suicide attempt.
“We all have a role to play in suicide prevention including looking after ourselves and supporting each other, but it is only by working together that we can prevent suicide,” Ms Riley said.
“Take some time out this week to sign up for Recognise and Respond training so you feel better equipped to provide support and have potentially lifesaving conversations.”
Community members can enrol in the training through the COORDINAIRE website.
If this story has raised any issues for you, you can call Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line on 13 11 14. Help and support are also available through 13 YARN on 13 92 76, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, MensLine 1300 78 99 78 and Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800. If there is an immediate threat to life, please call 000.
