Mandurah to host free suicide prevention workshops

The Midland-based not-for-profit organisation, which has a history of working in the Peel region, will hold a mental health first aid workshop in April and an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) course in May, open to residents in Peel aged 16 and over.

Both programs are funded by the Mental Health Commission and focus on educating carers, family members, friends and workmates in recognising people at risk of suicide and providing support until professional help is available.

“The aim of this project is to build local resilience by educating and equipping at risk individuals and their families and connecting them to support,” workshop facilitator Sharon Karas said.

“This provides an ongoing safeguard to the community and sustainable outcomes as people share their knowledge and confidence in being a champion for suicide prevention and intervention.” 

Ms Karas said the Peel region was underserviced on health service capacity compared to the rest of Western Australia, despite being in strong need of prevention and early intervention programs.

“The region has particular demographics such as an ageing population with residents aged 65 and over in the Peel region as 50 per cent higher than the WA average,” she said.

“As men both in the 45-49 and the 80 plus age groups are represented by a higher suicide rate, any prevention and intervention strategies in this region would be beneficial.”

Seashells Mandurah will host both courses, with the 12 hour mental health first aid course being offered on April 10 and 11, and the ASIST course running on May 1 and 2.

To find out more information about the free courses or to book a spot send an email to MIFWA’s workshop instructor Joyce Vidot at joyce.vidot@mifwa.org.au or call 0400 824 170. 

Support is available by calling Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, Lifeline on 131 114, or beyondblue on 1300 22 46 36.