This free workshop is organised as part of Mental Health Month. The theme for this year's Mental Health Month is 'Tune In'. Tuning in means being present, being aware of what's happening within you and in the world around you. Tune In to your senses and take a moment to help still and focus your mind, as well as build positive connections.

What the session will be about

This is a pre-recorded session hosted in real time by a mental health clinician from South East Sydney Local Health District and a peer support worker with lived experience of suicidal distress. The session was recorded for the Be Kind to Your Mind Series for Mental Health Month in October 2020 by Georges River Council in NSW. Streamed again today with thanks.

The session will include a welcome and introduction, viewing the pre-recorded session, and then discussion with the facilitators about any further questions that may come up for you. Information about the SafeHaven Suicide Support Service will also be provided.

What participants will learn from the session

The prevalence of suicide within Australia and NSW.
Risk factors of suicidal thinking and suicide.
Myths and Facts about suicide.
Tips on how to identify when someone may be feeling suicidal.
Strategies to support communicating with someone who may be feeling suicidal.
Who to go to for support and resources available to help.

About the presenters

At the time of filming (October 20202)- Sam Hassan was the coordinator for Suicide Prevention Services in the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District. She was responsible for facilitating the development of a number of programs for the NSW Health Towards Zero Suicides Initiatives including the SafeHaven and Suicide Prevention Outreach Team (SPOT).

Angela Crow is an occupational therapist and works at the St George and Sutherland Mental Health Service as a community development coordinator and Acute Care Clinician.

Leon Fernandes has a background in community work and in mental health services. He has a significant lived experience of suicide. He is passionate about opening up honest conversations and discussions about mental health services and longer term hospitalisation after many years of recovery.

What you will need to attend

Bring any questions you have about suicidal thinking and suicide, come with an open mind to learn, making sure you are safe and have a support person to call on if you need. Support numbers will be provided during the session also.

If you are feeling distressed or supporting someone in suicidal crisis please contact -

- Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467

- Lifeline 13 11 14

- NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511