Learn to save a life: free suicide prevention training

Would you know how to recognise if someone you know was having thoughts of suicide?

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is offering free face-to-face suicide prevention training across the Riverina to help equip people and organisations with the skills and confidence to recognise and respond to people experiencing thoughts of suicide. This training aims to reduce stigma and provide people with the knowledge to save a life, take action, and offer help when it’s needed most.

MPHN, in partnership with Well Aware training, are providing the opportunity for community to access practice and evidence-based training with LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and safeTalk.

ASIST is a two-day workshop that teaches participants how to recognise suicide risk, provide intervention, and connect people to support. ASIST training will take place in Deniliquin on 12 and 13 May.

safeTALK is a four-hour session designed to help people become more alert to the signs that someone is considering suicide and better able to connect them with further help. safeTALK training will be held in Hay on 15 May, Gundagai on 16 May, and Finley on 29 July.

Both ASIST and safeTALK are open to anyone aged 16 years or older.

MPHN Suicide Prevention Lead Emma Bromham said the training would give attendees the skills and confidence to recognise and respond to people experiencing thoughts of suicide.

“Just as CPR and first aid training help you know how to act in a medical emergency, evidence-based suicide prevention training equips you with the knowledge of what to look out for, how to speak with someone who’s having thoughts of suicide, and how to keep them safe and get them to expert help,” Ms Bromham said.

Suicide remains a leading cause of death among Australians aged 15 to 44, highlighting the urgent need for accessible, evidence-based training programs.

Ms Bromham said the training would build on suicide prevention training MPHN offered across the region last year.

“We want to reach our smaller rural communities, equipping more people with the skills to recognise when someone may be thinking about suicide and connect them with support,” Ms Bromham said. 

“Suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility. We want to ensure that people from all walks of life, including everyday community members, feel equipped to recognise and support someone experiencing thoughts of suicide, helping to create a more connected and supportive community.”

For more information, visit mphn.org.au/suicide-prevention