Wesley LifeForce Programs

Wesley LifeForce runs suicide prevention workshops and seminars

Our workshops allow participants to gain insight into suicidal ideation, learn skills to identify warning signals and assess the risk of a person who is experiencing thoughts of suicide.

The Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Program was established in 1995 by Reverend Bob Dunlop of Wesley Mission as a response to the growing number of suicides in Australia. The program was initially known as "Hearing the Cry" and it aimed at training community members from all walks of life to know what to do in a time of suicidal crisis, appropriately and confidently. The program is part of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.

Wesley LifeForce programs are aimed at training community members from all walks of life to know how to manage a suicidal crisis, appropriately and confidently. We have recently redeveloped our training programs. These are informed by the latest research in suicide prevention. We provide Australian quality suicide prevention training in the form of four hour seminars and one day workshops. Participants learn about the problem of suicide in Australia and gain an understanding of risk and protective factors, and to recognise warning signals. Participants are also taught an effective, simple strategy to manage a suicidal crisis.

Seminars

Seminars are generally four hours in duration and can be adapted specifically to meet the needs of your organisation.

Workshops

One day workshops provide participants with further opportunities to practise the intervention strategy.

Workshop Outline

Introduction	Training Outcomes
Presentation	Suicide in Australia
Presentation	Why do people take their own life?
Group Activity	Risk factors and protective factors
Morning Tea
Group Activity	Commonly held beliefs about suicide
Presentation	Some barriers to suicide intervention
Video	“Cameron’s Story Part 1”
Presentation	Precipitating events and escalating factors
Lunch
Video	Lived experience
Intervention Strategy	S.A.L.T.
Video	“Cameron’s Story Part 2”
Group Activity	Skills practice
Presentation
Summary and Feedback	Taking care of yourself
Close of Workshop

Who Should Attend

This program is designed for community members to help them support their colleagues, families and friends.

Those who have attended Wesley LifeForce seminars and workshops include teachers, sports coaches, ministers, youth workers, social workers, counsellors (including financial counsellors), psychologists, doctors, corporate managers, police officers, emergency workers, concerned friends, parents, and many other community members.

Please note: Wesley LifeForce is not a crisis or counselling service. Seminars and workshops may not be suitable for those recently bereaved by suicide.

For more information about our cost effective, suicide prevention training workshops and seminars call Wesley LifeForce on 1800 100 024.

Suicide Prevention Networks

Wesley LifeForce is working within communities to develop Suicide Prevention Networks. These networks are designed to provide a framework for the development of localised suicide prevention.

These networks identify and bring together community participants with an interest in/or service provision in suicide and mental health issues.

They do this by:

facilitating the exchange of information
co-ordinating suicide awareness and prevention activities
minimising silo service delivery and duplication of services,
encouraging skill sharing and learning and
advocating to raise the community’s awareness of the risk of suicide and the contributing factors in that community.

The Suicide Prevention Network’s focus is on supporting improved suicide prevention activities through a collaborative and strategic community approach.

To develop a Suicide Prevention Network in your area, or for further information, please contact the Wesley LifeForce office.

Community Information Cards

Wesley LifeForce has found that people in crisis may not be aware of who to contact for support and help. Wesley LifeForce has initiated the production of a 'Community Information Card'.

The card includes 24-hour crisis numbers, local support services and community support numbers.

For each community Wesley LifeForce visits to facilitate a workshop, a card is produced and distributed to attendees.

Evaluation Forms

Evaluation forms are given out at the workshops and seminars to gauge measuring changes in confidence, knowledge and attitudes. They also play a vital role in assisting Wesley LifeForce to further develop our programs, maintain the quality of the service and to ensure that the program remains within National Good Practice Guidelines.

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