This year has tested our resilience with impacts of the drought, bushfires and COVID-19 affecting people in varying ways. Whilst there are many support options available for people in these difficult times, COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN is encouraging people to undertake free training to help you become suicide aware to support those around you.
According to Dianne Kitcher, CEO of the South Eastern NSW PHN, it can be difficult to talk about suicide and while many people want to do more to support others, they are uncertain how to help or are worried they may cause more distress.
“It’s important to know there are support options available and things we can do to help others, which is why we are making free community suicide prevention training available in our region,” said Ms Kitcher.
“Research shows anyone can have a positive influence on a friend, family member or work colleague they are worried about by starting a conversation and supporting them to seek help.”
Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR) training is a free one-hour online course you can do to learn the three simple steps to help save a life from suicide.
“QPR training will provide you with the knowledge and skills to identify warning signs that somebody may be suicidal, confidence to talk to them about suicidal thoughts, and the ability to connect them with professional care,” Ms Kitcher said.
Ms Fiona Phillips MP, Member for Gilmore, would like to encourage people to become suicide aware and to understand the part they can play in reducing the number of lives lost to suicide.
“There is no doubt this year has been more challenging than most, and we need to ensure that we are supporting each other as much as we can, so I am pleased to see this program being supported,” Ms Phillips said.
“There are some simple, safe steps that you can take to identify and support someone who is
struggling, and we all have a role to play in helping other people,” she said.
“Taking part in training can help you feel more equipped to navigate these important conversations and to feel confident in helping a family member, friend or colleague and I encourage local people to take part,” Fiona Phillips added.
To find out more about supporting those around you and completing the free online QPR training course, go to reachoutanytime.info.
Note: This training is not recommended for individuals recently bereaved by suicide, as it is not a therapy or support group, but an education session to learn how to support others.
If you or someone you know needs support now, please call Lifeline 24/7 on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 or MensLine on 1300 789 978.
