Conversations about suicide
The course aims to train participants in offering immediate support for suicidal crises until professional help is available or the situation stabilizes.
The Program
Program Synopsis
This half-day course teaches participants how to provide initial support to someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours until professional help is received or the crisis resolves.
Course participants learn how to recognise and respond to suicidal thoughts and behaviours, provide support and encourage pathways to professional help.
Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, participants learn how to approach someone they are concerned about and initiate a conversation about those concerns. Participants also learn how to offer initial support and information and how to encourage the person to seek professional help or other supports.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:
- Identify the indicators of potential suicidal ideation.
- Become familiar with the warning signs and risk factors associated with suicide.
- Learn how to assist someone dealing with suicidal thoughts and actions.
- Implement a research-supported strategy to start a conversation about mental health first aid.
- Be aware of the professional resources and support options for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts and actions.
- Recognize obstacles to seeking help and strategies for overcoming them.
- Adopt self-care techniques as a Mental Health First Aider.
Who can attend
- This course is suitable for individuals, workplaces of all sizes and volunteer and community-based groups.
- Any adult (aged 18+) can attend.
Please Note
- This course is not a therapy or support group, rather it is an education course to learn how to give mental health first aid support to others.
- Numbers to this course are limited to a maximum of 20 participants.
Our Presenter
Sue Walker
Sue is an Accredited Mental Health First Aid Trainer and has delivered Mental Health First Aid training courses throughout Australia to both large and small organisations.
Sue is also the director and co-founder of the Nurses for Nurses Network and the online education platform Nursing CPD. The focus to assist Nurses in meeting their annual Continuing Professional Development requirements.
Sue holds Degrees in both Nursing and Health Administration, a Master’s Degree in Public Health, as well as a number of certificate courses in Psychiatry of Ageing, Gerontology, and Training and Assessment.
Sue is passionate about making a difference in how the community experience the healthcare system. One in 5 of us will develop a common mental health condition in any one year but not all of those needing to access mental health support will do so.
The aim of Mental Health First Aid Training is to educate people on the signs and symptoms of a person developing a common mental health condition or a worsening of a mental health condition that may be developing into a crisis.
With this knowledge people can learn how to approach a person, and how to assist and support the person until they can get them to a mental health professional.
“Mental Health First Aid Australia is a global, purpose-driven provider of mental health first aid education that equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to provide support when it matters most.”
Testimonials:
Sue’s calm and professional style helped to keep information clear and succinct, regardless of the question/s asked of her. She demonstrated excellent knowledge of the course content and had examples to share which helped to embed the concepts. She also repeated key concepts at every chapter point so we as MHFA people are able to execute in our roles as required. – Jasmine 2023
I found Sue to be a fabulous instructor and she presented as a knowledgeable and considered expert in her field. The participants were engaged for the whole of the workshops and I enjoyed and learnt much. – Bev 2023
Sue was a fantastic facilitator – one of the best on any course I have attended. It made it an enjoyable few days, and she is an expert in the field of Mental Health First aid with a wealth of knowledge and worked experience. Well done Sue!! – Keelyn 2023
This course is recognised by Suicide Prevention Australia as a safe, high-quality, and effective suicide prevention program – Learn more >>
Why choose Mental Health First Aid?
It is evidence based
All Mental Health First Aid courses are based on guidelines that are informed by people with lived experience, their caregivers, and mental health professionals.
It is Rigorously evaluated
Evaluations consistently show that Mental Health First Aid training improves participants’ knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatments and confidence in providing mental health first aid to individuals.
It is Skills-based
Teaches the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a difference.
It is Internationally recognised
Over 6 million people have trained in Mental Health First Aid across 25 countries.
Course Fees
Course fees do vary for many reasons, including:
- Course type
- Individual Instructor qualifications and credentials
- Course venue
- Course Location – metro vs regional
- Course catering
- Course participant subsidies – due to a community grant
To ensure an accurate price, please complete the form so we can discuss which training option would best suit your people and organisation.
Other Courses
Standard Mental Health First Aid
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Older Person Mental Health First Aid
Conversations about Non-Suicidal Self-Injury
Conversations About Gambling