IT is becoming increasingly known that people in rural and remote communities are much less likely to get help when it comes to their mental health.
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However on Thursday a room packed full of members of the community were keen to learn vital suicide first aid skills at the Upper Hunter Shire Council administration building in Scone.
The workshop was brought to town by Good SPACE – an organisation which aims to prevent suicide through community education.
The program delivers ASSIST workshops to teach people in rural and remote communities the skills needed to recognise if someone is at risk of suicide and how to provide support.
In ASIST workshops, people learn to apply a scientifically proven suicide intervention model.
They feature presentations and guidance from registered trainers, powerful audio-visual learning aids and group discussions.
Program facilitator Fiona Livingstone said the course was delivered over two days and was available to anyone over 16 years of age.
“We had about 14 people participate in the workshop which is a good turn out,” she said.
“Before we came to Scone we brought the workshops to Inverell, Tamworth, Armidale and other rural communities.
“The training is suitable for frontline workers, service providers, carers of suicidal people, and the general community.
“It explores how to connect with people in ways that understand and clarify that risk, increase their immediate safety and link them with further help.”
To find out more about upcoming suicide first aid workshops through Good SPACE visit https://www.crrmh.com.au/events/.