An Orygen study aims to improve Victorian parents’ capacity to support young people at risk of suicide.
Parents and carers of young people aged 12-25 and who live in Victoria are invited to take part in free suicide alertness training as part of the study.
Suicide is the leading cause of death among young people in Australia, and rates are increasing.
Associate Professor Jo Robinson, head of suicide prevention research at Orygen, said parents have a key role in early intervention and suicide prevention.
“The national suicide prevention strategy and research literature identifies that parents and carers can be really significant in supporting young people to access the right supports at the right time,” Associate Professor Robinson said.
The suicide alertness training available through the study is self-paced and online and is designed to help parents and carers become ready and confident to identify indicators of suicidal thoughts, ask about suicide, and connect young people to helpful resources.
“Parents will be asked to complete an online training session that takes an hour-and-a-half, and three simple online questionnaires over the course of three months,” Associate Professor Robinson said.
“Research indicates that parents’ suicide-related knowledge, and confidence in their ability to intervene, is lacking. This study aims to build that knowledge and reduce suicide risk.”
Email [email protected] to register your interest or click here to complete the study consent form and screening survey.