Online mental health training available to help save lives

Suicide prevention solutions provider LivingWorks Australia chief executive officer Shayne Connell said it was important not to be complacent "now, more than ever".

"Prioritising the upskilling of every Australian in suicide first aid is an essential part of keeping our families, friends, co-workers and communities safe," she said.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show 3046 people died by suicide in 2018 and one in 25 people has thoughts of suicide at any given time.

With issues related to COVID-19 - unemployment, social isolation and financial problems - those who may have been at risk before are more vulnerable than ever. LivingWorks Australia warned..

The organisation has a 90-minute online program, LivingWorks Start, which is available for anyone to be trained to recognise the signs of suicide and take life-saving action by connecting those at risk to resources.

As its name suggests, this program is a great start for anyone looking to increase their awareness of suicide intervention skills," Mr Connell said.

"We are all working through these uncertain times and it is critical for us, as Australians, to look out for one another."

The program is being offered at a a reduced cost, with $5 form each Start license donated to R U OK?

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