Have Your Say: Suicide Prevention Training Survey

Suicidal distress is a human response to overwhelming suffering, and we all can provide immediate help to people who are in suicidal distress. In 2020-2022 one in 6 (around 3.3 million) Australians aged 16–85 had experienced serious thoughts about taking their own life at some point in their lives, and the same research also shows approximately 150 people in Australia attempt to take their own life each day.

Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, is seeking community feedback via a survey on what types of Suicide Prevention Training is needed in the community across the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Penrith areas. Tragically, suicide rates are higher than average in these areas, and it is often the case that words or actions indicating suicidal distress are missed. Suicide prevention training and education programs can assist people to identify the signs and respond compassionately.

Wentworth Healthcare CEO, Lizz Reay, is encouraging community members to complete the 5-minute anonymous survey at nbmphn.com.au/SuicidePreventionTrainingSurvey to assist the organisation to plan and deliver suicide prevention training in 2025 that meets community needs.

“We want to deliver more suicide prevention training this year and this survey is intended to help us build upon the success of the training we have already rolled out, as well as identify and address any remaining needs or gaps. We want to ensure that the community training we offer continues to be relevant, accessible and effective for those who need it most. Whether you are a parent, teacher, student, volunteer, worker, or find yourself supporting people in distress in any other way, we want to hear from you,” said Ms Reay.

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