Brave Conversations – Priscilla Jaya

Brave Conversations, delivered by Priscilla Jaya, is a two-phase suicide prevention initiative designed to support veterans, men and rural communities by building confidence, connection and practical skills for early intervention.

The program strengthens community capacity through Mental Health First Aid training and the development of local Community Champions who can continue the impact beyond the formal sessions.

Phase one: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) – conversations about suicide will run until June 2026. Eight half-day training sessions will be delivered across key regional locations including Wagga Wagga, Junee, The Rock, Gundagai, Coolamon, Leeton or Lockhart, Narrandera, Darlington Point or Coleambally, Griffith and Cootamundra.

Each session will support up to 20 participants to recognise warning signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviours, engage in safe and supportive conversations, respond confidently in crisis situations, and connect people with appropriate professional and local mental health services. Participants will also explore how stigma impacts help-seeking and learn practical ways to reduce it within their communities. Up to four participants per session will be selected to progress as Community Champions, with up to 24 champions identified overall.

Phase two: Community Champion training and mentoring will be delivered until June 2026. Selected champions will complete a two-day Standard MHFA course to gain formal accreditation. They will also participate in four fortnightly online mentoring sessions focused on leadership development, mental health communication and practical peer support.

Ongoing mentoring will support champions to facilitate informal support circles and peer groups, provide one-on-one community support, and promote local mental health resources and early help-seeking. The initiative aims to create lasting, locally driven networks of support that strengthen suicide prevention capacity across rural communities.