Every day, around 150 Australians attempt to take their own lives - a sobering statistic that highlights the urgent need for suicide prevention training. In the Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains, Lithgow, and Penrith areas, where suicide rates exceed the national average, locals are being urged to step up and help tackle this crisis.

Wentworth Healthcare, the organisation behind the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, is calling on the community to complete a five-minute survey aimed at shaping suicide prevention training for 2025. The survey, which closes on 28 February, seeks feedback on how best to address the specific needs of these regions.

“Suicidal distress is a human response to overwhelming suffering, and we all can provide immediate help to people who are in distress,” said Wentworth Healthcare CEO Lizz Reay. She stressed the importance of involving everyday people in the fight against suicide by equipping them with the tools to make a difference.

Since launching its suicide prevention initiatives, Wentworth Healthcare has already trained more than 1,100 people through 45 workshops, giving participants the skills to recognise early signs of distress and take action. “Community Suicide Prevention training can combat the hesitancy that some people may feel in broaching the topic of suicide by empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed to support those in crisis when the opportunity arises,” Reay said.

Many people avoid intervening because they fear saying the wrong thing. However, evidence shows that properly trained individuals can provide life-changing support. Workshop participants learn how to recognise warning signs, ask someone directly about their intentions, and respond safely.

The issue is often misunderstood. Reay highlighted that suicide isn’t always linked to mental illness. “The factors contributing to suicide are complex and not always related to mental illness. Recent data shows that around a quarter of Australians who reported having suicidal thoughts or behaviours in the past 12 months had no symptoms of a mental disorder,” she said.

The ripple effect of suicide reaches far and wide. Research reveals that one in three Australians aged 16 to 85 has been close to someone who either died by suicide or attempted to take their own life. “If you haven’t been directly impacted, you probably know someone who has,” Reay said.

The figures underline the need for community-wide action. Reay said that whether you’re a parent, teacher, student, volunteer, or someone who frequently supports people in distress, the training can prepare you to make a difference when it matters most.

Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. More than 90% of those who attended said they wanted to improve their communication skills with people in distress. After completing the training, 92% reported feeling better prepared to help someone contemplating suicide.

Reay urged locals to take five minutes to complete the anonymous survey and help shape the next phase of this lifesaving program. Those who choose to provide their contact details can also receive updates about future training opportunities.

“We want to ensure that the community training we offer continues to be relevant, accessible, and effective for those who need it most,” she said.

Visit nbmphn.com.au/SuicidePreventionTrainingSurvey by 28 February and help make suicide prevention a priority.