Manual of Resources for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention
Welcome to the Manual of Resources in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention.
The Manual is a collection of practical resources and tools that people from any background can use to make a real difference in promoting positive mental health and social emotional wellbeing, and preventing suicide in our communities.
It responds to a need that many people have expressed: for simple guidance focused on positive actions that can be taken in a crisis or to address an ongoing issue.
The Manual is organised in three sections:
For individuals, families, Elders and community members
For clinicians and other front-line workers, both Indigenous and mainstream
For Primary Health Networks and other service and commissioning organisations.
INDIVIDUALS
In this section you’ll find resources that can help you look after your own wellbeing, when life is going smoothly or when things are tough.
If you need immediate support, never hesitate to reach out for professional help:
FAMILIES, FRIENDS & PEERS
In this section you’ll find resources that can help you look after the wellbeing of the people around you, when life is going smoothly or when things are tough.
If they need immediate support, or if you do, don’t ever hesitate to reach out for professional help.
COMMUNITIES
In this section you’ll find resources that can help you look after the wellbeing of your community, when life is going smoothly or when things are tough.
Whether you’re an Elder, youth worker, teacher or sports coach, you might become aware of issues affecting individuals, families or the whole community. These tools can help you understand how to respond positively to those situations.
If someone needs immediate support, or if you do, don’t ever hesitate to reach out for professional help.
CLINICIANS & FRONT-LINE SERVICES
In this section you’ll find resources that can help you look after the wellbeing of your Indigenous clients and their families, and respond in a culturally safe and appropriate way when life is going smoothly or when things are tough. These resources are intended to give you practical support no matter whether your professional training is as a psychiatrist, psychologist or other clinician, or if you are a social worker, youth worker, peer worker or volunteer.
If someone needs immediate support at a different level than you are trained for, or if you need help yourself, don’t ever hesitate to reach out to someone with the right expertise.
PRIMARY HEALTH NETWORKS / FUNDING ORGANISATIONS
In this section you’ll find resources that can help you ensure the services you commission and fund are able to support the wellbeing of Indigenous people in your region in a culturally safe and appropriate way. These resources are intended to help you build positive relationships with Indigenous leaders, communities and organisations, empowering them to meet their people’s needs in partnership with you and enhancing their capacity to deliver strong, sustainable services.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS & CRISIS RESPONSE
If you or someone you know is suicidal or if you are looking for help, please call one of the following national helplines for immediate help:
Lifeline Australia – Call 13 11 14 or Crisis Support Chat
Suicide Call Back Service – Call 1300 659 467 or online counselling
Kids Helpline – Call 1800 551 800 or WebChat counselling
Mens Line Australia – Call 1300 789 978 or online counselling
Open Arms Veterans & Families Counselling – Call 1800 011 046 or visit their website
Qlife – LGBTI peer support and referral – Call 1800 184 527 or webchat 3pm to midnight daily
The National Indigenous Critical Response Service – Call 1800 805 801
EXAMPLE RESOURCES
Zero Suicide Toolkit – Zero Suicide – In Health and Behavioural Healthcare
Peer Work Hub – NSW Mental Health Commission – Resources | Peer Work Hub