Main occupation
Disability support worker; social work student
Administration at G.V.H, florist and mother
Part time Youth support case management/counselling
Careers Counsellor, Secondary School level
Looking for work - exercise physiologist
Entertainer, Business owner, Development Coach

Custom day of training - MHFA and First Responder Training In the Residential University College Setting
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID - CRISIS AND PROBLEMS
Peer Support Officer Training included Dealing with suicidal ideations; Black Dog MH workshop; PTSD
Number of courses relating to trauma/complex trauma; sleep and affect; sexual exploitation; personality disorders etc
2 units of mental health during Bachelor of nursing. Mental health study days @ hospital I work in.
Mental Health Training as part of FYC program for QPS
Grad Dip Psych Science at ACAP. Training guide to NSW Mental Health System
MHFA (x2); MHFA for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People; Life Force
Suicide prevention about 8 years ago. Managing difficult behaviours.
Part of training work, but can't rmember
Included in police negotiator course. Study during Registered Nurse Training in 1989
A wide range of mental health related in New Zealand
Bachelor of Social Work, currently studying Masters of Forensic Mental Health
Part of Gen Nursing training in 70s. Unit of MH and Masters level
Mental Health First Aid / Suicide Prevention Training
Social work degree / Peters James Center APAT
STORM, Youth MHFA, Grad Dip in Mental Health for the Teaching Profession
MHFA, Comm Svs, Cert IV, work with people with mental health issues
Masters in counselling and psychotherapy
Crisis support (forget what it was called)
Mental Health First Aid (2 days) with ACCS
Was 15 years ago "Accidental Counselling"; "About Personality Disorders"
HETI online, face to face training at hospital, Bachelor with Psychology (hons)
Understanding Trauma; Open Dialogue; Supporting Someone with Complex Needs; Hearing Voices.
Mental Health First AId in 2012. Wanted to do a refresher

Did you do anything else?
Organised for them to attend mental health assessment at hospital. Supported them on their return to place of residence. Discussed ongoing support.
Told the young person's parents and their school support staff
Promised not to tell mother, advised I may have to discuss with dr/mental health to preven further harm
arranged to visit family dr and referral for MH professional
Supported them to appointments for 2 years and still support them if they are having a set back
Kept constant content, checked in regularly
Informed a mutual friend, mutual friend followed up and took person to GP
I was in a counselling setting with my placement supervisor and asked these questions together
Discussed with treating team and senior nursing staff
As I was 3 hrs away (drive) this discussion was over the phone, I rang others to go stay with her until I could get home
organised mental health professionals to put up a crisis management plan. shared the plan with all support staff on his program
Follow up with the client; follow up with the service; encourage to contact our service in the future; I used "Suicide is not the way to go"
Help to find other management strategies when low or stressed
Gave them hope and optimism. Kept in regular contact by phone and email to monitor them. Set up supports to alleviate difficulties she was facing and to change her mood.
My son is on the autism spectrum and I had asked for support and education to help him and our fmaily to deal with the day to day. Still waiting to be contacted.
Connected with Headspace, provided details of other emergency/mental health services
Focused on birth mother and how sad she would be? Called the Agency Emergency Support line.
Dsicussed all of the positives in his life. Encouraged that he may need a little bit of medication to support him.
Worked with CAT team, emergency, police, ambulance
Provide information and contact numbers of some programs and services. Making direct referrals to services. Jump the cue by contact services for a quick assessment.
Reported it to my colleague who manages the youth space the young person disclosed his thoughts to me in.
Continue to support them. Review safety plan as mental health provider. Meet with them regularly. Assist with supports key must.
Told them to keep taking medication and stop drinking alcohol at same time
I didn't do anything but spend time listening (this was before I had MHFA training). She had said "I want to kill myself" in a joking way and I didn't think much of it at the time b/c she has a pretty dark/dry sense of humour. and in the context of our converstaion (about how much family were annoying her that day, it seemed to be a joke). Later I thought more about it and was a bit concerned b/c she has a history of depression/PND and anxiety and has been on anitdepressants and seeing a psychologist for years. I checke in on her later in the day and she was fine, not in crisis or showing any concerning signs - so obviously it had just been a joke. In the past (5yrsago) I had helped this friend on 1 occassion when I thought she was in MH crisis (with PND) by immediately contacting her partner and best friend to get her urgen help as I was interstate and not sure what to do.
Discussed with team leader. Discussed with well-being at school of client (with their permission). Referred to Headspace
Provided them with supportive material and groups
Suicidal ideation was known by care team, so client was being supported
Sought permission to disclose to immediate family member the situation. This was denied. I related this to MH professional whom I contacted (with their permission), I believe they made a decision to infork NOK
I was friendly behaving with him, so that he felt free to speak out about his current situation or problem
Perspective, motivation and positive outlook on life
Mdae myself available if they needed to talk or go with them for appointments
sought support from other family members
Negotiated workload at school, spoke to parents, followedd school procedures for this situation
support them in making a safety plan (inclusive of crisis support contacts/numbers) list of things they like to do and people they can talk to.
Specifically dealt with my daughter who then passed on information to school on behalf of her friend
Provide support and resourses to family, I understood that this person was getting appropriate support from parents, school welfare and counsellor
Contacted family/parents to talk with them about concerns. YP always advised prior to thei happening.
followed up with them on a regular basis
Introduced them to someone at lifeline, put it into context and handed it over to her
Encouraged exercise daily. Recommended medication review.
I was working as part of a team so reported immediately to my supervisor who is the social worker
Explain to them that everyone at times feels sad and has trouble in their lives, but that there is help there for them and a normal life at the end. Explain that they will be a mentally stronger person for recognising that they may have some issues.
kept listening over the phone, went to be close, stayed close until person was thinking clearly, was calm, was planning next activites, & engaging in that plan. with knowledge someone else would be checking in after I left.
Attending different courses to understand the Do's and Don'ts about suicide and mental health
The person did not mention suicide but indicated if certain events happened that he could not see himself continuing on.
Kept in touch and gave extra time and help
Personally transported female to hospital
Provided ongoing support and empathy. Suggested reasons to live. Focusing on positives.
Check in with them regularly and offered to attend with them
I asked someone with more experience than me, how I should help this person before I spoke to them
Negotiated the person to disclose their location and convince them not to go ahead with their suicide plan. Took 6 hours to calm them down.
Encouraged perosn to see their trusted GP and gave them supporting information and support lines to call
It was while I was working and I could do was listen and direct her to White Wreath

What aspects of the course was most helpful
What to do if you have someone come to you who is suicidal
Group activities to learn from more experienced workers. Role play to get a real feel of how to put all learned into action.
Exploring about risk factors on the different stages/status of life
The videos helped with case management if the situation arises in the future. Also the safety plan is really important
There was a lot of content. The practical exercises were most helpful and sharing by others
The steps to take. Safety plan activity for Aaron
The interactive role plays and group discussions
Very informative - especially methods of communication
Suzanne created a very open environment that encouraged participation. She is very passionate, knowledgeable and considerate. An excellent presenter, but limited by time.
I needed a "what do you actually say" at the time someone indicates there is a problem. Very grateful for the do's and don't of what to say. Despite the topic - I did not leave depressed, but hopeful I might one day help someone
Breakdown of how to provide support - what to say
Video, role play, scenarios/tories and what action we woudl take take place. Group discussions and activities.
The videos, very honest & relateable/realistic
Role play and group activities to practice how to speak with someone
All of the subject matter was very important.
Very easy to understand and "to the point"
Concrete tasks for first-responders. Logically presented
Knowing to ask directly is ok. Safety planning. Services/phone numbers
Thank you for today. The course and delivery definitely made me think on the topic more than I usually would. Placing frieds, relatives and workmates into situations rather than strangers made me re-think my delivery/engagement techniques with persons when discussing issues surrounding mental health and suicide prevention.
Dialogue and real life exchange with Suzanne and the other participants, everyone has their own experiences and there is always something to learn, humbling
Where to go for help. Knowing how to talk to someone suicidal
I would like to be informed of the 2 day Mental Health First Aid
The facilitator (Damien) made it seem quite natural to engage in the discussion about suicide
How to actually start a conversation. Ways of 'wording' that are sensitive and encourage communication
Working through theory, followed by role play
All the informations, especially the activities
The Beyond Now App. Hearing how Suzanne counsell's S.O. contemplating suicide. Handouts.
The question sequence to ask a person if they are suicidal
Resources, different ways "open-ended questions"
Learning to approach someone and indicators on types of suicide methods
Info shared, experience given and samples, role played
Presenter was well educated and informative. Low key and informal workshop
Having Blake run the training was helpful as we coudl look at the action plans/scenarios through the lens of youth development which made it more relevant.
Gaining the knowlege to give me the skills and confidence to ask someone about suicide and to help them put a plan in action.
Understanding what not to do and how people think
Information and slides, although the slides is not in the handout which is a bit off?
videos, info deliverd via powerpoints, info around language, Blake's examples/anecdotes, guidelines, answers to questions
I find the take home resources most useful
Information on the steps to take on how to handle and support someone with suicidal thoughts. Using the correct terminology and the way to ask questions and get all the information you need.
The see, learn, how and feel. Knowing what to do next.
Liked the handbook and being able to take it away
The new language around suicide. Scenario based work.
The book + slides and the time to discuss with others
Discussions wiht the group adn facilitators. Warning signs, myth busting
The facilitator was very insightful and had a calm tone presenting a sensitive topic
Content was great. Fred was great in his delivery.
All aspects, Damien is a great teacher/presenter
Informative, provided examples and stories of true accounts
Discussions, group work, powerpoint with clear explanations. Good/great presenters
Who to contact and learning that its ok to ask directly about suicide.
learning to bring up suicide and discuss it
Action 2 - talk with someone who is suicidal
The detailed information & constant feedback.
Being better prepared to confidentally help someone with suicidal thoughts
Everything as I haven't had any experience with this course
The presenters and how they delivered the information. Easy to follow and understand
I think every aspect of the course is very velevant
Talking with others - should have been more of this
learning the connect language and termanology
Practical advice for helping suicidal person.
Role play; useful phrases; positive role modelling
Overall material really relevant to job. Also assist with helping colleagues with info on techniques on how to assist.
group discussions, easy to understand, interactive
The explanation and diagram of the bain and how your arousal levels affect you
The passion and experience of the teacher
The 3 steps of asking someone if they are thining of taking their own life
The videos were great to see the visula reference
Thinking about useful questions to ask. Learning about Beyond Blue ap
Everything - establishing a plan - emegency support services
Sam is an excellent presenter/teacher! Thanks
Conversation around 4 steps and safety plan (Beyond Blue)
Info/discussion on how to talk to people in crisis, how to engage how to keep it about them and keeping them 'safe for now'
Statistics - provided context. Practical examples
straight forward, simple talk/presentation. Easy to understand and follow
relevant content, well delivered, easy to understand
The booklet. Phrases to use, step by step into, great presentation. Opportunities to hear stories and new perspective. I Can't believe they don't teach this in schools.
Discussions about what to say and why. Skills and tips for talking about suicide and suicidal thoughts toothers
The group discussion. The knowledge that being direct is appropriate. The safety plan.
Presenters and the way they discussed ideas further
Making a plan. Correct language. Resources for referral.
Handout with contact numbers, as card can be handed out to persons who may need assistance but does not want to talk.
Change of language. The 3 actions. Contacts.
The use of all parts of the program - as above. It helped me stay connected and kept my attention
Lot of participants were workbased(have clients who this relates to).Therefore,a lot of examples given were related to workplaces.Mine was a personal sitaution so sometimes the discussion not relev
All good. Very practical and easy to follow. Easy to follow. Presenter very switched on.
Group discussion about debunking suicide myths, safety plan, discussion of risk factors and signs
The powerpoint and booklet. The presenter explained everything really well!
Very insightful, kep tmy attention, was informative. Kate was a great presenter
Not to be nervous about speaking about suicide
The scenarios as they were the most like the real life situations I will have to deal with
The local gropu recognising local resources, local experience and local community
Knowledgeable presenters; having a base knowledge after attending YMHFA; videos and activities to compliment the theory; group discussions
handbook - going through the course content, discussions
simple, thorough detailed, discussion - talking!!
Having the role plays. Discussing the myths. Watching the video of Aaron - male stigma
The slide show acompanied by the activities
Stats; Tips and suggestions on how to engage; References to research

How could the course be improved
At end, give out handouts or email (not during as attendees would flick through). (Room very stuffy, s
Booklet could have more of the slide data or perhaps 2 separate sections ot the booklet? 1. Suicide Fa
Add more days and maybe a share from the person who attempt but how the carer or other person helped him/her
First half - focus on our perceptions went on for too long
It was to rushed and finished early after starting late. And only 20 minutes for lunch break. Also would be useful to know if no catering provided to allow the option to bring food if preferred. It was ok to buy from the cafe but maybe not everyone is
More in-depth examples and a further concenration on the resources available to support individuals
Learning about other courses in the near future
Self-harm conversations. How to support a homeless person.
It could possibly be longer? Time to get through it all with questions
real life stories, how families dealth with and overcame suicidal incidents
More discussions with participants about their experiences with mental health with their colleagues or family, friends etc - attempt to normalise experiences
Ensure slides & book match and/or handout slides. Need to warn participants there is no food etc (whic
Felt it was rushed - presenter could be more succinct
I would be interestedin a more detailed course on Mental Heatlh not just suicide
Possible (if time permits) just a greater quantity of info e.g. more videos/role plays in different sc
Stats could have been read out as I am blind and couldn 't read them
tailoring it to specific industries so it is more relevant
More role play videos, with a more relevant youth development focus
More specific information on crisis assessment in intervention in complex scenarios. E.g. comorbid d+a use, personality disorders, repetiitve self harm, misadventure. Intervention in emergency situations in public/community settings
Have a real life video - question and answer type with someone who almost suicided
More time, slower pace to digest information.
Maybe covering: underlying medical conditions that may occur with suicidal people
Time management. Being more aware of disrespectul terms such as "self mutiliation" which I found incre
Did well, maybe more role play if time permitts
Having someone come in that has thought about killing themselves and share their story
I think the scenario + videos could be sent in a pack via post to remote locations
Mayb more case studies and/or role plays that we can discuss as a group
New updated info for new years of statistics
More emphasis on unpacking/understanding causes/risk factors for suicide
Background noise during early part of presentatoin (fridges e.g.)
Relevance to the workplace as well as current videos, so we can relate those situations (as support wo
The role plays would have concreted the info
Trained coudl have spent more time with a brief introduction about himself or us as learners to each o
I felt there was a lot of information (very import) to absorb in a short period of time
More references to what's in the handbook
Yes - time was insufficient - great wealth of knowledge in room left untapped. No time for some slides
More 1 on 1 role play that isn't in front of everyone. It is good learning to practice but not everyon
An extra hour or 2 to allow for role play for all participants
Incorporate some points relevant to QPD protocols
Other participants kept speaking amongst themselves when the presenter was speaking adn it made it ver
Powerpoint slides to be added to the booklet or folder. Please email.
No. I just don't like activities because I am shy
Less statistics and longer group discussions about skills and tips etc
Ascertaining from cohort on experience in specific relevant inclusions
Not specifically to the course. I think having something put together as a clear process fo rour roles
Explain in course information what First Aid is e.g. lots of carers at the course who probably needed something else.
I think this was right for the participants
Also direct to members of the public rather than those from workplaces.
Blake's humour and the butter for the hot cross buns
Just more regular (short) breaks to regain attention levels - esp if on a Friday afternoon
Maybe a short video reflecting how the assisting person is able to react to an uncomfortable response
Having a professional from triage or police to cover what they do.
Help available specific to the QPS (early intervention) should be better explained

Other reason, please specify
I had to do CPR on someone who died by suicide
Also a carer for someone who is mentally ill.
Would like to be the "right person at the right time" should I be in a position to help
I am a parent of two small children and want to know as much as possible
To have the skills if I encounter a suicidal person
for general knowledge to recognise signs and to offer support
To help strengthen my role in my support group grow when I am organiser
I would like more skills in mental health support
information which could help in an unforseen situation
I am a manager who was interested in pd for my team as well
I am a carer for my own son with bipolar. I am a carer for my brother with bipolar
Points for PD for Teaching Registration plus interest in the topic
Many of my youth 15-45 talk about suicide
Key area of interest for my staff/organisation RFCS

relationship to you - other
Son of client. Gave client info on how to manage it

Did you do anything else?
Asked if they felt they miever felt like harming their baby
took them to GP to get Mental Health Plan
Made ph call so access support. Drove person to appoinments.