Now a course being offered in Nowra is tackling the subject head on, helping people to recognise the signs that someone is in trouble, and to find the right words to start what could be a lifesaving conversation.

Shoalhaven Health and Arts is offering the half-day SafeTALK suicide alertness workshops, providing tools that can be useful across the community; in the workplace, the classroom or among family and friends. 

Shoalhaven man Adam Russell is one “mental health first aider” who takes his learnings from the SafeTalk course out into his workplace and his social life.

Growing up as a young man in Nowra, Adam’s life was touched by the issue - he knew of too many teenagers who took their own lives.

Then, in his 20s, he experienced his own bouts of mental illness.

“People often can’t talk to their own family or even to their GP. They definitely won’t talk to anyone at work, especially if it’s a male supporting a family. They will want to hide it,” he said.

“There's not many people out there who know how to handle it.  This course gives you the confidence to understand people with suicidal issues.  

“It's a big thing to ask someone. You might feel you are going to upset them, or it’s pushing the friendship. Just ask them directly – often they will want to talk about it.”

Facilitator Annette Tesoriero said the course, which is open to anyone over the age of 15, is  helpful for a wide range of people.

 “Because it only takes half a day to learn, safeTALK is an excellent tool for people who want to become alert to the dangers of suicide in a convenient time frame,” she said.

“Although formal caregivers such as social workers and counsellors employ safeTALK skills, the program is also used by students, teachers, community volunteers, first responders, military personnel, police, public and private employees, and professional athletes—among many others.”

She said the workshop teaches suicide alertness; how to respond and how to direct the person to help.

The program,  first trialled in Australia in conjunction with Lifeline and the Australian Defence Forces, has now been used in 20 countries in an effort to make suicide-safer communities.

The acronym SAFE  stands for Suicide Alertness for Everyone, while TALK stands for Tell, Ask, Listen, Keep Safe.

The courses will be held on the Saturday October 8 and  Tuesday October 11 at the  Nowra Library meeting room.

Bookings are essential; online at www.eventbrite.com or by phone: 0416723893 or email shoalhavenhealthandarts@gmail.com

The cost is  $40, or  $25 students  with a number of subsidised places available through the support of the Bomaderry Charity Trust Bingo.

Adam Russell has now completed a Certificate 3 in disability studies and is working in the sector with people in group homes.

His additional courses in suicide alertness and mental health fitness are helping him use his personal experience with mental illness to help others. 

He says it is very important for him to continuously increase his mental first aid knowledge.

“I know I'll be coming across people in the disability sector with mental health issues,” he said. 

“I first did the courses because I really wanted to better myself and my own knowledge.

“I thought, if I’m going to be out there in the workplace, and out there in the community, I have to know how to deal with these situations.”

Lifeline: 13 11 14 is a confidential telephone crisis support service available 24/7 from a landline, payphone or mobile. Lifeline's Suicide Call Back Service  number is 1300 659 467