Suicide remains one of Australia’s most pressing public health challenges. In 2022, over 3,000 lives were lost to suicide, with many more individuals affected by suicidal thoughts or attempts. The tragedy is that many of these deaths are preventable, if the right support and intervention happen early.
Often, it’s the people closest: friends, family, co-workers, who first notice something’s not quite right. But without the confidence or tools to act, signs are missed, and conversations are avoided. That’s where suicide prevention training comes in. It empowers everyday people to recognise the warning signs and respond safely and effectively.
At Suicide Programs, we believe that suicide prevention is a shared responsibility. Our range of evidence-informed training programs are designed to give Australians across all walks of life the knowledge and practical skills to make a real difference, whether in the workplace, community, or at home.
Understanding the crisis
The need for suicide prevention training isn’t limited to mental health professionals. In fact, many people experiencing suicidal thoughts won’t initially seek help from clinical services. Instead, they may confide in someone they trust, a friend, a parent, a teammate, or a colleague.
This is especially important in rural and remote areas, where access to mental health services can be limited. According to Lifeline, people in rural areas are twice as likely to die by suicide compared to those in cities. Factors like isolation, stigma, and fewer support options all contribute to the heightened risk.
Suicide prevention training helps bridge this gap by giving more people the tools to act early, know what to say, and guide someone toward professional help.
What are these programs?
Suicide prevention training refers to programs that build the capacity of individuals and organisations to recognise, respond to, and support people who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. Training typically covers:
Recognising early warning signs of suicidal ideation
Learning how to ask direct and respectful questions
Responding with empathy and without judgement
Creating a short-term safety plan with the person at risk
Connecting them to ongoing professional or crisis support
At Suicide Programs, all courses are trauma-informed and based on the latest research in mental health and suicide prevention. The programs are also mapped to the Australian Qualifications Framework and endorsed by suicide prevention peak bodies.
Who can enroll for these courses?
The short answer: everyone. Suicide prevention training isn’t just for mental health workers. It’s for parents, teachers, frontline staff, managers, coaches, volunteers, and community leaders. Anyone who interacts with people in any meaningful way can benefit.
That said, different sectors may have different needs. For example:
Workplaces benefit from programs that help staff and managers identify signs of mental distress and respond within their WHS obligations.
Schools and universities often train teachers and support staff to spot vulnerable students early.
First responders and healthcare workers may need more advanced, scenario-based training to support people in crisis.
Suicide Programs offers a variety of courses, from foundational to advanced, tailored to different roles and environments.
Practical training, built for Australians
Unlike generic or overseas-developed modules, Suicide Programs delivers training designed for Australian communities, with cultural sensitivity, industry relevance, and up-to-date research.
Some of our most trusted programs include:
Accidental Counsellor: Ideal for frontline staff and community workers, this course equips participants to handle difficult conversations when someone confides in them unexpectedly.
CALM: This evidence-based program provides participants with a structured, four-stage framework to confidently support someone at risk of suicide. It focuses on connecting, understanding their story, navigating the tough conversation, and making a collaborative safety plan, all delivered in a virtual workshop format for ease and accessibility.
Train the Trainer Program: For organisations looking to create internal mental health champions and build long-term capacity in their teams.
Each course is flexible, offered online, in-person, or hybrid and comes with downloadable resources, activity guides, and certificates of completion.
Don’t just take our word for it. Our testimonials page is full of stories from participants who’ve walked away feeling empowered and equipped to make a difference.
What If you’re not taking a course, but still want to help?
Not everyone can attend a formal training program, and that’s okay. If you’re concerned about someone in your life, there are still small but meaningful steps you can take:
Check in regularly, especially if someone seems withdrawn or overwhelmed
Listen without trying to ‘fix’ everything, just being present can make a huge difference
Avoid judgement and try not to dismiss their feelings
Encourage professional help by offering to call a service like Lifeline 13 11 14 together
Learn more through free resources like Beyond Blue and Head to Health
You don’t need all the answers. You just need to show up, listen, and care.
It starts with us
Suicide prevention isn’t just about reacting to a crisis. It’s about building a community where people feel seen, supported, and safe enough to speak up. Whether you’re a manager, a mate, or a mum, you can play a role.
If you’re ready to take the next step, Suicide Programs is here to support you with accessible, high-quality, Australian-based training. Together, we can change the conversation around suicide, and ultimately, save lives.
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