Every year in Australia, too many young lives are lost to suicide. In 2023 alone, 298 Australians aged 18–24 died by suicide, and an additional 94 children and adolescents aged 5–17 lost their lives this way (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare). Suicide is one of the leading preventable causes of death among people aged 10–24, and the impact ripples through families, schools, and communities nationwide.
But this story is not one of inevitable loss - it's a call to action. With the right training, awareness, and supportive conversations, many lives can be saved. Suicide Programs, through the CALM Youth Suicide Intervention Workshop, offers a vital tool in this mission: CALM Youth, a youth-focused adaptation of the proven CALM (Connect. Ask. Listen. Monitor) model.
Why Are Young People Especially Vulnerable?
Adolescence and early adulthood are critical developmental periods when mental health challenges often emerge. In a 12-month period, about 17% of young Australians aged 14 17 think about suicide, 14% decide, and 10% attempt suicide (Australian Institute of Family Studies). Stressors such as social media, academic pressure, transitions, identity questions, and isolation amplify risk.
Yet most young people don’t initially reach out to professionals. Research shows they are more likely to turn to friends (74%) or parents (49%) than to GPs or helplines (10%), making everyday relationships the frontline of youth suicide prevention.
Introducing CALM Youth: How It Works
CALM Youth is specifically tailored for those working with young people - youth workers, teachers, coaches, mentors, student welfare officers, and anyone supporting youth communities. The program:
The CALM Model in Action
The CALM Youth framework revolves around four steps:
CALM Youth trains participants to spot early warning signs, have safer conversations, build ongoing relationships, and guide young people toward further support, all while reducing stigma and creating open, supportive culture.
Evidence and Community Impact
Community-led programs like CALM Youth make a measurable difference. Studies show community prevention networks can reduce suicide rates by 7% over time, and strong cultural connectedness among First Nations youth is associated with suicide rates 44% lower than communities with weaker connections. Youth-specific programs are recognised by Australian policy experts as essential, since one-size-fits-all approaches often miss the unique needs of young people.
A Scenario:
Imagine a high school teacher, Mia, notices one student, Jordan, becoming increasingly withdrawn. Mia, having completed CALM Youth training, approaches Jordan and has a CALM (Connect, Ask, Listen, Monitor) conversation. This is a conversation grounded in care, confidence, and hope. This is the support that can be a turning point for the young person who has lost hope.
How Organisations Can Get Involved
Schools, youth centres, and sports clubs can:
Why CALM Youth Stands Out
CALM Youth is unique because it is evidence-based, age-appropriate, and community focused. It is part of Suicide Programs’ suite of training workshops and resources designed to empower Australians to recognise distress, hold caring conversations, and support young people toward safety and hope.
Youth suicide is a pressing challenge, but it is not insurmountable. When a young person feels heard, supported, and believed, we open pathways to hope and healing. CALM Youth equips communities to create safer spaces for young Australians, one caring conversation at a time.
Discover more about CALM Youth and explore training for your organisation at Suicide Programs. Let’s build a future where connection and care save lives.
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