Suicide Prevention Training Now Available

Suicide is the leading cause of death in Australia for anyone under the age of 44 years. Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network (NBMPHN) is taking a communitywide approach to suicide prevention in our region, which includes supporting various free training opportunities in suicide prevention for health professionals and the community.

The first of this training starts in May and is delivered by LivingWorks Australia and funded by NSW Health. The training is available to anyone aged 15 years or older living in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Penrith areas.

“We know that friends and family are well-placed to help prevent suicide, however research shows that they often lack knowledge and confidence in their ability to intervene. This training will help equip both community members and health professionals with the skills and knowledge to have safe conversations with people about suicide, and to learn how to refer them to appropriate support when needed,” a spokesperson from NBMPHN said.

CPD points for Teachers, Counsellors, Community Workers and Social Workers are available.

LivingWorks upcoming training in May-July includes:

• SafeTALK

Anyone 15 years plus can attend this half-day workshop that will prepare you to become a suicide-alert helper. SafeTALK-trained helpers can recognise the signs of those at risk of suicide and take action by connecting them with life-saving intervention resources, such as caregivers trained in ASiST.

• SafeTALK LGBTQIA+

This half-day SafeTalk workshop has been tailored specifically for LGBTQIA+ people, families, and communities with LGBTQIA+ safe intervention resources.

• ASIST (Assisted Suicide Intervention Skills Training)

Anyone 16 years plus can attend this two-day interactive workshop regardless of prior experience or training. You will learn suicide first-aid through powerful audio-visual learning aids, group discussions, skills practice and development through trainer-facilitated workgroups.

• I-ASIST (Indigenous - ASIST)

This three-day ASiST workshop was designed with indigenous leadership and consultation to develop suicide intervention training specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

NBMPHN encourage you to register for any of these upcoming opportunities via our events page and to share these opportunities with your networks.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday 24 May, 12pm

Face-to-face

SafeTALK LGBTQIA+

Learn to recognise when people have thoughts of suicide and how to respond in ways that link them with further suicide intervention. Tailored specifically for LGBTQIA+ people, families, and communities. Held at Springwood Sports Club.

Read more go to: https://livingworks.com.au/programs/safetalk

Thursday 25-26 May, 9am-5pm

Face-to-face

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Learn an evidence-based intervention model to intervene and help prevent the immediate risk of suicide. Held at St Marys Band Club.

Read more go to: https://livingworks.com.au/programs/asist/

Saturday 3 June, 9am-1pm

Face-to-face

SafeTALK

Learn to recognise when people have thoughts of suicide and how to respond in ways that link them with further suicide intervention. Held at St Marys Rugby League Club.

Read more go to: https://nbmphn.com.au/events/safetalk