Talking Suicide: Resources & Training to Support Conversations and Prevention

At MRSPAG, we provide valuable resources and training to empower individuals and communities to have safe, supportive conversations around suicide and mental health.

Whether it's recognising signs of distress or learning how to respond, we offer comprehensive tools to guide you in these critical moments.

For more information on suicide prevention resources, ongoing events, or how to get involved, contact us at info@mrspag.com.au.

Mental Health First Aid Training

MRSPAG runs Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses throughout the year to equip community members with the skills to support others in distress. Our past training sessions have helped attendees gain confidence in recognising and responding to signs of mental health struggles and suicidal thoughts.

To enrol in future sessions or learn more about our training programs, please email info@mrspag.com.au.

Book a Speaker

MRSPAG Speakers’ Bureau provides organisations with a professionally trained Speaker who will motivate and inspire audiences to actively support suicide prevention.

Our Speakers help to:

  • Improve understanding of suicide

  • Correct myths and stereotypes

  • Reduce fear, shame, and stigma associated with suicide

  • Encourage people to seek support if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts or concerned about someone

Our Speakers have a ‘lived experience of suicide,’ defined by Suicide Prevention Australia as:

  • Experiencing suicidal thoughts

  • Surviving a suicide attempt

  • Caring for someone who has attempted suicide

  • Being bereaved by suicide or touched by it in another way

If you’d like to have a Speaker at your event, meeting, or organisation, please contact info@mrspag.com.au.

A guide for Funeral Directors

Supporting families bereaved by suicide.

This short guide sets out the key role of funeral directors in supporting immediate family members and friends bereaved by a suicide death. It also acknowledges the broader contribution funeral directors can make to suicide prevention and postvention efforts in their local community.

A guide for Sporting Clubs

Macedon Ranges Mentally Active Sports

A number of clubs in the Macedon Ranges have been impacted by the death of a club member to suicide. We know that sporting clubs in the shire play a critical role in keeping our community members physically active and healthy and also building social connections to reduce the likelihood of suicidal behaviours and improve a person's ability to cope with difficult circumstances.

This project worked with Gisborne Cricket Club to identify and pilot activities that could support suicide prevention and promote the mental health of club members. Players, their families, coaches, volunteers, and committee members were engaged to help determine which activities the club would pilot. A key part of the project was to capture learning from the activities to promote and share these with all our clubs in the Macedon Ranges Shire.

A guide for sporting clubs - What to do if a club member dies by suspected suicide.

Online Resources for Support

Here is a selection of online resources that can guide conversations about mental health and suicide:

  • Conversations Matter
    In-depth resources for talking about suicide, including how to approach different types of conversations, from group discussions to talking to someone you're worried about or who may have lost someone to suicide. – learn more

  • Lifeline – 3 Steps to Prevent Suicide
    A simple guide on how to respond if you think someone may be suicidal. – learn more

  • Lifeline – Toolkit: Helping Someone at Risk of Suicide
    A more detailed resource that expands on the 3 steps approach. – learn more

  • Holding onto Hope Podcast
    A Lifeline Australia podcast series where people share stories of overcoming suicidality and finding connection and hope. – learn more

  • R U OK?
    Steps for how to talk to someone you're concerned about and how to respond if they are not OK. Includes tip sheets and additional resources. – learn more

  • Beyond Blue – Suicide Safety Planning
    Beyond Now is an app by Beyond Blue that helps you create a step-by-step plan to stay safe when overwhelmed by suicidal thoughts. – learn more

  • Operation Life Online
    A suicide prevention website developed by the Department of Veterans' Affairs for veterans, ex-serving personnel, and their families. – learn more

Mindframe Media and Public Speaking Guides

Resources on how to safely share personal stories of mental health and suicide with the media or in public speaking.

A Mindframe guide for consumers and carers
The guide contains practical information for consumers and carers to support their work with the media. It provides some advice on the best way to share personal stories – whether this is in a media interview or a public speaking opportunity. – learn more

A guide for media on reporting suicide
This guide aims to provide some practical tips on safe ways to discuss this challenging area to ensure any risks are managed whilst increasing the community’s understanding of suicide. It is important to talk about suicide. – learn more

Community. Connect. Create.

Connecting residents to support and community in the Macedon Ranges, Community. Connect. Create. is a comprehensive resource hub for finding local support groups and community-driven initiatives across the Macedon Ranges.

This platform aims to foster stronger connections, inspire creativity, and support well-being by bringing together a diverse range of free and low-cost groups, from mental health support to arts, gardening, fitness, and more.

Stay connected with your community, find the right support, and discover new passions. – learn more