Early Connection Matters: Local Practitioners Strengthen Suicide Prevention Skills
- Jan 22
- 2 min read
Practitioners from services across the region participated in a Conversations 4 Life training focusing on early suicide prevention and mental wellbeing. The sector-identified training supports practitioners to recognise early signs of distress, have supportive conversations and connect people to the right support early.
The training reinforced the importance of noticing small changes in behaviour, mood, or connection and acting early to make a meaningful difference for individuals and families, while reducing the risk of challenges escalating into crisis.
Participants represented a wide range of roles, including Peer Wellbeing Navigators, Crisis Support Workers, Administration Officers, and Child and Family Case Workers. While their day-to-day work is diverse, each plays a role in supporting people who face tough moments. Some joined the training to better understand how to respond safely when someone shares personal struggles. Others wanted to strengthen their ability to notice early signs that may indicate someone needs support. One participant said they hoped the training would help them “recognise early signs that someone is struggling and feel more confident starting supportive conversations.” Another said they valued gaining “a little bit more confidence and understanding of what other local services and people’s ideas are for suicide prevention.”
Conversations 4 Life, was delivered by certified facilitators from Gladstone Mindcare, who have facilitated the same learning across a range of community and workplace settings. Learning led by locals drew on real examples and situations. Through practical discussion and activities, participants strengthened their understanding of local referral pathways and how to support access across the community.
Participants gained increased suicide prevention knowledge and valued learning alongside practitioners from other organisations. One case worker described the session as “very interactive,” adding that it gave them “more life skills to know how to talk to people who may be at early risk of suicidal thoughts.” They also highlighted the importance of approaching each person as an individual rather than “ticking boxes or following a script.”
The power of small moments of connection, checking in, noticing small changes and offering support early was a key learning take away. Conversations 4 Life supports practitioners to build early suicide prevention skills, strengthening our community’s ability to walk alongside people with empathy and confidence.
To learn more about the Sector Capacity Building Initiative and the community partnership with Rio Tinto, Here for Gladstone, read Collective Buying Power and Community Partnership Enabling Improved Outcomes for Families and Children, or contact GRT:
P: 07 4970 7382
