Lifeline course opens to public

SUICIDE first aid is the focus of a Ballarat-based workshop with Lifeline set to host a two-day interactive program called ASIST.

Short for applied suicide intervention skills training, the ASIST aims to teach participants how to identify when someone may be at risk of suicide.

It also seeks educate people on how to connect with those at risk of suicide and create a plan for their safety.

“It’s something that we’ve offered for a number of years but it’s not something that we’ve always run openly,” Lifeline Ballarat acting manager Belinda Collihole said.

“Given all the statistics and interest that we’ve had, we thought let’s share this with everyone. “Suicide prevention is a community approach, it’s not an individual approach.

“It’s about working towards a safe, resilient and supportive community around suicide and mental health.”

Ms Collihole said she hopes the workshops can reduce the stigma around mental health and provide guidance for those who may be supporting someone.

“We want more people to feel like they can have a conversation. It’s not something that needs to be avoided and to let people know it’s okay to talk about suicide,” she said.

While ASIST is commonly used by health practitioners, no formal experience is needed to take part in Lifeline’s event

The workshop will be held on Thursday, 16 and Friday, 17 March and to register visit trybooking.com/CFWIK.