10/09/2025
Su***de Prevention Day
I realise there is a bit of reading with this page but it is a very important subject. Worth a read!
Warning: This article contains content about su***de.
If you, or someone you know requires urgent or immediate help, either call triple zero (000), or go to your local emergency department. A list of other help points is available in the document at the end.
Wednesday 10 September is World Su***de Prevention Day. This year’s theme is “We all have a role to play.” It is about changing the narrative through reducing stigma and ensuring everyone gets the help they need.
Not every su***de is preventable, but every death is a tragedy and a loss that is felt deeply by the circle of family, friends and community who mourn them. We know that ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members are at a higher risk of death by su***de than the general population, and that ex-serving males and ex-serving women, and those who leave the ADF for involuntary, medical reasons are particularly vulnerable. (AIHW Data). Individuals, Organisations and Government can all play a part to be able to reduce the number of people who die by su***de each year. The veteran, ex-service and Defence communities are all uniquely placed to draw on their connections to support veterans and families who may be experiencing suicidal distress, or who have lost a loved one to su***de.
So, what can you do to help? Learning how to recognise the signs when someone is experiencing suicidal distress or bereavement, and understanding how to support them, can make a real difference.
This Su***de Prevention Day, consider doing one thing to ‘Change the Narrative,’ such as taking a su***de prevention course or a free training session, or take the time to reach out to someone in your community who you think might be struggling.
For more information and resources about world su***de prevention day visit:
World Su***de Prevention Day: 10 September - Su***de Prevention Australia
Here’s a list of evidence based- training and courses to get started.
Veteran and Defence specific training:
Open Arms
Stronger We Stand - Online mental health workshops for veteran families and carers | Open Arms - workshops that aim to enhance veteran families and carers own mental health and wellbeing when supporting a loved one who is experiencing suicidal distress or have been bereaved by su***de.
Shoulder to Shoulder delivered by SANE Australia, "Shoulder to Shoulder” offers two forums—one for veterans, and one for families and carers—created to offer peer-led, anonymous spaces to connect and be supported. Co-designed with the veteran community and trauma experts, both forums are moderated by mental health professionals, accessible 24/7 on any device, and provide connection, resources and peer support from people who ‘get it’.
Mental Health First Aid – Delivered through Mental Health First Aid Australia and LivingWorks and funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), the program equips individuals to recognise the signs of mental health problems and provide support when it’s needed most. www.mhfa.com.au/mental-health-protect
Mindframe - Online training sessions - Mindframe- Everymind delivers free monthly online training sessions based on the Mindframe guidelines to support safe reporting, portrayals and communication of mental health concerns, su***de and AOD. The training provides practical and evidence-based support to people communicating about these themes, from those in large national newsrooms through to small community groups.
Standby – Support After Su***de Workshops - StandBy, workshops include:
Pathways to Care workshop – full day - Designed for: First Responders, GPs and other front-line responders, community organisations, community su***de prevention action groups. Purpose: To engage organisations to participate in developing a strategic and planned approach to su***de postvention within their community to support those bereaved or impacted by su***de.
What do I say? What do I do? (3hr workshop) - designed for: All community members. Can be delivered as part of work-place professional development for staff. Purpose: To increase understanding of su***de bereavement and learn basic support skills.
Supporting Children and Young People impacted by su***de (3hr workshop) - Designed for: Service providers and professionals who work with children and young people. Purpose: To increase understanding of the impact of su***de on children and young people and how best to support them during postvention activities
Roses in the Ocean - Peer CARE Companion in Community’ Peer CARE Companion in Community | Roses in the Ocean- Provides a ‘golden thread’ of trained and supported community members with lived experience of su***de known as Peer CARE Companions.
· Su***de Prevention Australia – You can find a full list of accredited su***de prevention training and support services Australia wide here: www.su***depreventionaust.org/directory-of-programs/ . Su***de Prevention Australia provides national accreditation to ensure safety quality and efficacy of Australian su***de prevention programs
Mentally Fit EP Leave no man behind - Men's mental health motorcycle community -veteransgarage Brotherwood Inner Smile Mental Health Support Group Walkbeside Su***de Prevention Network Marion Adelaide S.A.
