Culturally safe and accessible training for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We know that due to factors including the ongoing impact of colonisation, suicide rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are currently twice that of non-Indigenous communities, with young people particularly at risk. Addressing this requires community-led initiatives that respect cultural protocol and empower Indigenous leadership, working toward a common goal of reducing suicide in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities.
Across 2022-2023, LivingWorks partnered with the University of Queensland to support the rural community of Cherbourg. Elders and community leaders wanted to build suicide prevention skills within their community to address the high suicide rates, particularly among young people.
This protocol is an essential framework for how LivingWorks Indigenous suicide prevention training is delivered with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Across 2022-2023, LivingWorks partnered with the University of Queensland to support the rural community of Cherbourg. Elders and community leaders wanted to build suicide prevention skills within their community to address the high suicide rates, particularly among young people.
A 2018 evaluation of safeTALK implementation in a Manitoba high school found five statistically significant outcomes that resulted from participation in the workshops:
Participants gained new knowledge, skills and improved attitudes towards people who may be thinking of suicide.
Participants were better able to identify the signs and indicators of people thinking about suicide.
Participants reported being better able and more willing to support people thinking about suicide.
Participants were more aware of the available KeepSafe Connections in their school.
Participants were better aware of what to do if a friend tells them they are thinking about suicide.
Both LivingWorks I-ASIST and safeYARN workshops are led by Indigenous Trainers.
Meaning “Indigenous Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training”, I-ASIST provides a culturally relevant framework for participants to learn how to use a unique 6-task model to provide a suicide first-aid intervention, work with someone to develop a personalised safety plan to keep safe-for-now and connect with further help. This course is run over 2.5 days and offers a more in-depth skillset in comparison to the shorter safeYARN workshop.
In this half-day workshop, participants learn how to identify and connect to someone having thoughts of suicide, and how to help them keep safe, access support and find hope.
“Tough content – trainers were flexible in meeting participants’ needs and supporting those who were struggling. This is not work we want to do, but we need to do.”
“You mob are inspiring, I hope to become a trainer in the future. Thank you for all that you do! Our mob need you.”
“I-ASIST speaks of story, it speaks of deep listening and it speaks of empowering the individual and the community to work together to help keep somebody safe from suicide.”
LivingWorks Indigenous ASIST and safeYARN workshops are led by Indigenous Trainers who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. As training expands to communities across Australia, the LivingWorks Indigenous Trainer network is growing with it. Get in touch with us if you’re interested in becoming a LivingWorks Trainer!
Download the latest information kit to save or print. Enclosed is an introduction to the team, the cultural protocol behind our training and the program options.
LivingWorks Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and train. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend respect and thanks to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities who have contributed time and knowledge to the development of LivingWorks I-ASIST and safeYARN programs.
Please fill out the form below to receive information about hosting a private face to face workshop for your organisation/community group, or receiving a set of Start online training licenses.
