Evaluation of the Conversations about Suicide course in Australian Men’s Sheds

Project Details

Suicide is a significant concern in Australia. In 2019, 3,318 Australians died by suicide, and it is estimated that over 65,000 Australians attempt suicide each year. Men aged 45 and over have the highest suicide rates.

MHFA Australia has developed public education courses that teach community members to recognise when someone is experiencing a mental health problem and provide them with appropriate support (known as mental health first aid). The MHFA Conversations about Suicide course is a specialised four-hour course focused on recognising and supporting people with suicidal thoughts. It aims to improve participants’ confidence and skills in supporting someone in their social network, such as a friend or family member, who is feeling suicidal. The course is based on suicide prevention best practice guidelines and is delivered by instructors who are trained and accredited by MHFA Australia.

The course will be evaluated in Men’s Sheds across Australia with the aim of reaching older men, who have the highest suicide rate. Men’s Sheds are community organisations that provide a communal space for men to meet, socialise, learn new skills and voluntarily take part in practical activities with other men. Enhancing the knowledge, attitudes and supportive actions of peers of older men is a potential pathway for reducing mental illness and suicidal risk in males. If the trial shows that the course is helpful, it can be rolled out more widely. Ultimately, this will help reduce suicide risk in Australia men.

Researchers

Professor Nicola Reavley (Project Lead)
nreavley@unimelb.edu.au
+61 3 9035 7628

Funding

Medical Research Future Fund (The Buoy Project)