Australians are being encouraged to take proactive steps in supporting friends, family, and colleagues by participating in Start the Chat, a free online program designed to help build confidence with having conversations about suicide. Talking to someone who may be struggling can feel daunting, but experts say it can be one of the most important conversations you will ever have.
The program’s Recognise and Respond course, developed by Black Dog Institute, is a self-paced, one-hour online training session designed to provide the tools needed to support someone experiencing suicidal thoughts. With more than 3,000 Australians dying by suicide each year, the initiative aims to reduce risk and strengthen community support networks nationwide.
At Skills Centre Australia, we believe raising awareness of these initiatives is essential to strengthening mental health literary across the community. By sharing these resources, we hope to provide individuals with the knowledge and confidence to navigate these difficult conversations, and help build to a safer, more compassionate environment for all.
One of the key myths the campaign aims to addresses is the idea that asking someone directly about suicide might worsen the situation. Though evidence shows starting the conversation can be lifesaving. Participants learn to notice changes in behaviour or mood, approach with empathy, ask direct questions, listen without judgement, and connect the individual with appropriate support.
The campaign website also features short, powerful stories from people who have lived through suicidal distress. Among them is South Australian comedian Marc Ryan – known as The Beautiful Bogan – who shares the challenges of recovery and power of connection:
‘Sometimes hope comes disguised as a conversation, a joke, a coffee, a hug,’ Ryan says. ‘I live in a strange duality where I adore life, yet I still have thoughts of ending it.
‘Comedy became my lifeline. Not because of the stage, but because of connection. Stand-up gave me a way to reach people in the darkest moments and say: “You’re not alone.”’
For those working in healthcare and support roles, the Start the Chat initiative is a valuable complement to more formal learning. For those looking to expand their knowledge in this area, Skills Centre Australia offer a Caring for Mental Health course, providing learners with the skills and knowledge required to deliver effective, empathetic assistance to those experiencing mental health challenges. Participants learn how to:
- Understand mental health and different mental illnesses,
- Recognise signs and symptoms,
- Identify suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and
- Apply de-escalation techniques to support someone in crisis.
By combining public awareness programs with professional training, carers gain the confidence to support individuals safely, while promoting hope and resilience.
Together, public awareness programs and professional training create a stronger, more supportive community—one where people feel empowered to act. By taking part in Start the Chat, Australians can help ensure hope, connection, and support are always within reach.
If you are interested in Start the Chat’s Recognise and Respond course, visit their website, https://startthechat.com.au/
For more information about Skills Centre Australia’s Caring for Mental Health training, or to enrol, contact our friendly team today on (08) 8340 6875, email us on info@kcskillscentre.com.au, or visit our website, https://kcskillscentre.com.au/.
If you, or a loved one, needs help, contact:
- Triple-0 if immediate care is needed
- Lifeline on 131 114
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
- 13 YARN on 13 92 76
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- SANE on 1800 187 263
