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Suicide is not just a statistic, it’s a deep human tragedy, affecting thousands of families across Australia every year. In 2023, over 3,200 Australians lost their lives to suicide, an average of nine people a day. That number is more than a crisis; it’s a wake-up call.
In some communities, particularly among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, the rates are even more devastating, double the national average. And while suicide impacts all demographics, remote and rural areas often face the brunt of it with fewer mental health resources and higher levels of isolation.
That’s why, at Suicide Programs, our mission has never felt more urgent.
Understanding the complexity of suicide
Suicide doesn’t stem from a single cause, it’s complex, multifactorial and often misunderstood. Financial hardship, mental health conditions, social disconnection, trauma, and cultural dislocation all intertwine. For young people, these factors may include bullying, academic pressure, or lack of support. For older adults, it might be chronic illness or grief.
But amid this complexity, one thing is clear: early intervention saves lives.
That’s where prevention programs come in, not just as interventions, but as proactive, community-driven solutions that aim to reach people before they reach crisis point.
Why suicide prevention programs exist, and how they work
Suicide prevention programs offer more than awareness, they provide real tools, backed by evidence, that enable everyday people to intervene effectively.
At Suicide Programs, we’ve developed a suite of training courses designed to help Australians recognise warning signs, have compassionate conversations, and guide those at risk to safety. These include:
CALM – A fully accredited program that helps individuals engage in supportive conversations with someone at risk of suicide.
CALM Care – A condensed version of CALM, perfect for people who want essential skills in just a few hours.
Accidental Counsellor – Equipping people who often find themselves supporting others (e.g. teachers, managers) with emotional first aid tools.
Psychological First Aid – For those supporting others through crisis or trauma.
And many more. Explore our workshop, training and online courses to get in depth details about our programs.
Each of our programs is developed and delivered in Australia by a team of mental health professionals and lived-experience trainers. They’re based on therapeutic best practices and accredited by Suicide Prevention Australia, ensuring real impact.
Programs in action: What’s working
We’ve seen our programs make measurable differences on the ground. For example, in a recent national training rollout across community health centres, over 95% of participants said they felt more confident supporting someone with suicidal thoughts after completing CALM.
Our work aligns with and supports broader national frameworks such as the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, allowing us to plug into a larger ecosystem of care while remaining agile and community-focused.
A Message From Our Community
We’re proud that our programs continue to resonate deeply with participants. As one recent attendee shared:
"I have done a lot of training and by far this was one of the best I've sat in. I feel more confident responding in ways that sit within the CALM model. Thank you for this opportunity."
It’s voices like these that remind us why we do what we do, and why we’ll continue working towards a future where every Australian has the tools, support, and hope they need to choose life.
What if you want to help, but aren’t sure how?
Not everyone will take a training course, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference.
Here’s how you can help someone in distress:
Start the conversation: Ask, “Are you okay?” with genuine care.
Listen actively: Avoid problem-solving and just be present.
Avoid judgement: Empathy goes further than advice.
Refer gently: Encourage the person to contact a GP or a helpline.
Know the signs: Hopelessness, withdrawal, or talking about being a burden may be red flags.
And if you're unsure where to turn, our blog and resource library are full of helpful, easy-to-understand guides.
A final word: There is hope
The journey to ending suicide in Australia is long, but it’s far from hopeless. Each person trained, each conversation held, each moment of support shared adds to a powerful ripple effect.
At Suicide Programs, we’re not just offering training, we’re building a movement of informed, compassionate individuals who can spot the signs, start the conversation, and stand beside those who feel alone.
If this resonates with you, we invite you to explore our programs or share this article with someone who might benefit. Together, we can help rewrite the story, one life at a time.
Need immediate support?
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
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