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Healthcare workers training

Knowing healthcare workers can be the first point of contact for those at risk of suicide, specialised training is critical.

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Co-designed with industry bodies, Wesley LifeForce provides a range of suicide prevention training that is tailored to the healthcare sector, including:

  • general practitioners and practice nurses
  • general practice office staff
  • relationship counsellors
  • aged care nurses
  • aged care workers.

General Practitioners and Practice Nurses

These professionals already have a significant understanding of the risk factors associated with suicide and the measures required to support those at risk. Our suicide prevention training enables them to develop their knowledge and expertise, while participating in continuing professional development.

The learning outcomes are:

  • a greater understanding of risk assessment, suicide prevention, intervention strategies and patient support and management.
  • a strategy to provide assistance to a suicidal patient within the context of a general practice consultation.

This workshop meets the 2020-2022 triennium Accredited Activity CPD Education Standards of 40 CPD points through the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

This training program has also been approved by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and can be logged as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours as part of the Professional Development Portfolio (PDP).

It has been endorsed by the Australian Practice Nurses Association (APNA) according to approved quality standards criteria.

Completion of this educational activity entitles eligible participants to claim six CPD hours.

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General Practice Office Staff

As part of the medical practice accreditation program, General Practice Office Staff are required to be able to triage patients. We have developed suicide prevention training especially for frontline staff to not only recognise physical issues, but be supported to respond effectively to signs of patients experiencing mental distress.

This workshop will highlight the important role General Practice office staff have in identifying patients at risk of suicide.

The learning outcomes are:

  • identifying patients who may be at risk of suicide when presenting to the practice
  • increased understanding of what to do when concerned that a patient may be at risk of suicide.

The Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Training for Practice Staff has been allocated two Australian Association of Practice Management (AAPM) CPD points per one hour of education.


Relationship Counsellors

Counsellors are key to supporting clients dealing with significant life changes. While many already have an understanding of the risk factors associated with suicide, its prevalence in our communities means it is important to learn simple and effective suicide intervention strategies.

The learning outcomes are:

  • developing skills to recognise the signs that a person may be at risk of suicide
  • being able to conduct a suicide intervention.

This program constitutes four hours of professional development.


Aged Care Nurses

Depression in older people is a risk factor associated with suicide and it is critical that Aged Care Nurses are equipped to recognise the signs that a resident of an aged care facility may be contemplating suicide.

The learning outcomes are:

  • identifying possible risk factors for suicidality in older people
  • developing the necessary skills to conduct a suicide intervention.

This program is designed to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia CPD requirements.


Aged Care workers

For aged care providers, the safety and well-being of residents is paramount. Equipping Aged Care workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to record and report if someone is at risk of suicide in their facility is vital.

The learning outcomes are:

  • identifying residents who may be at risk of suicide
  • developing skills to record and report concerns.

To book training or find out more information call the Wesley LifeForce head office on 1800 100 024 or email lifeforce@wesleymission.org.au.

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