Assess and Respond to Suicide

Developed by Frameworks for Health at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Assess and Respond to Suicide Training helps participants recognise possible warning signs, respond directly and compassionately, and connect a person with appropriate professional or emergency support.

Many people worry that asking about suicide will make the situation worse or feel uncertain about what to do if someone says they are not safe. This training creates a structured environment for developing the knowledge, language and confidence required to respond appropriately.

What participants will learn

Depending on the organisation’s needs and selected format, training can help participants:

  • Understand common misconceptions about suicide

  • Recognise possible warning signs and invitations for help

  • Respond calmly when concerns arise

  • Ask clear and direct questions about immediate safety

  • Listen respectfully and without judgement

  • Connect the person with appropriate professional, crisis or emergency support

  • Follow relevant workplace escalation and reporting procedures

  • Understand confidentiality and its limits when safety is at risk

  • Maintain appropriate role boundaries

  • Consider personal wellbeing and support following a difficult conversation

The program does not qualify participants to undertake clinical assessment, counselling or ongoing therapeutic support.

Who this training suits

Training can be adapted for employees, managers, supervisors, HR teams, health and safety representatives, community-service workers and other personnel who may encounter people experiencing significant distress.

Delivery and customisation

This is non-accredited, customisable training. Content can be aligned with the organisation’s workforce, industry, risk profile, critical-incident procedures and available support pathways.

Delivery is available face-to-face in Dubbo and across regional NSW, with online delivery available nationally where appropriate.

Organisational benefits

The training can improve confidence, reduce avoidance and help organisations establish a clearer, safer and more consistent approach when concerns about suicide are raised.

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