RESPOND SAFELY AND CONFIDENTLY WHEN SOMEONE MAY BE AT RISK OF SUICIDE
How do you respond when someone you are supporting expresses hopelessness, talks about suicide or shows signs that they may be at risk?
People from refugee backgrounds may experience a range of factors that can increase vulnerability to suicidal distress, including experiences of torture, persecution, war and forced displacement, as well as family separation, loss, social isolation and the challenges of rebuilding life in a new country. For people seeking asylum, prolonged uncertainty about the future can create additional distress and feelings of hopelessness.
Recognising and responding to suicidality can feel particularly challenging when you are not a counsellor or mental health professional.
This practical workshop, led by experienced STARTTS practitioners and trainers, will build your confidence to recognise possible signs of suicidality, ask appropriate questions, assess immediate risk and take practical steps to support safety.
WHY THIS WORKSHOP MATTERS
People experiencing suicidal distress do not always directly say that they are thinking about suicide. Warning signs may appear through changes in behaviour, emotional state, communication or expressions of hopelessness, feeling trapped or believing that there is no future.
When working with people from refugee backgrounds, responses to suicidality also need to consider the impact of refugee trauma, culture, displacement and resettlement. Cultural and religious beliefs may influence how suicide is understood, discussed or disclosed, while stigma or fear may make it difficult for someone to seek help.
You do not need to be a counsellor to respond helpfully. Knowing how to recognise warning signs, have a safe and respectful conversation, determine when urgent support is required and connect someone with appropriate services can make an important difference.
Building on suicide-related content covered in STARTTS’ Accidental Counsellor workshop, this workshop provides a more focused exploration of responding to suicide and suicidality when working with people from refugee backgrounds.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Understand Suicide in the Refugee and Resettlement Context
Explore suicidality in Australia and the factors that may contribute to suicidal distress among refugees and people seeking asylum, including trauma, loss, displacement, family separation and prolonged uncertainty.
Explore Cultural Beliefs About Suicide
Consider how cultural, religious and community beliefs can influence understandings of suicide, help-seeking, disclosure and responses to suicidal distress.
Recognise Warning Signs and Risk Factors
Build your ability to recognise verbal, emotional and behavioural indicators that someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, including signs that may be subtle or difficult to identify.
Distinguish Self-Harm and Suicidality
Understand important differences and overlaps between self-harm and suicidal behaviour and what these may mean when considering a person’s safety and support needs.
Ask About Suicide Safely and Directly
Develop greater confidence to talk about suicide, ask appropriate questions and respond calmly and respectfully when someone discloses suicidal thoughts.
Assess Suicide Risk
Learn a practical framework for identifying the level and immediacy of suicide risk and determining when additional or urgent intervention is required.
Develop a Suicide First Aid Action Plan
Learn practical steps to maximise immediate safety, mobilise appropriate supports and connect the person with professional, crisis or emergency services when required.
Apply Trauma-Informed and Culturally Safe Principles
Understand how refugee trauma and recovery principles can guide responses that promote safety, dignity, trust, connection and cultural respect.
Look After Yourself When Supporting Others
Recognise the emotional impact of responding to suicidal distress and consider practical strategies for professional boundaries, debriefing, vicarious trauma prevention and self-care.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Essential professional development for people working with refugees and people seeking asylum who may encounter suicidal distress in their work, particularly those who are not trained counsellors or mental health clinicians, including:
- Refugee and settlement workers
- Case managers and caseworkers
- Community and multicultural workers
- Youth and family workers
- Social and support workers
- Health and allied health professionals
- Education and student support staff
- Housing and homelessness workers
- Volunteers and other frontline professionals working with people from refugee backgrounds
FORMAT AND INCLUSIONS
- Online and in-person delivery
- Facilitated by an experienced trauma-informed practitioner
- Includes interactive activities, real-life scenarios, and skill practice
- Receive a certificate of completion
- Receive a PDF of the workshop slides
BRING THIS WORKSHOP TO YOUR TEAM
Would your team benefit from tailored, trauma-informed training? This workshop is available as an online and in-person in-house session (in-person available in Sydney only), customised to meet the specific needs of your staff, clients, or community. Visit our Request Training page for details on pricing, availability, and how to book.
Plan ahead: Due to high demand, we recommend submitting your request at least 6–8 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date. Empower your team with the confidence, skills, and cultural sensitivity to support refugee and asylum seeker communities effectively.
CONTACT US
stts-training@health.nsw.gov.au
(02) 9646 6700 Ask for the Training Administration Officer