Lifelines Suicide Prevention for Schools

3 Components to address suicide in schools - Prevention, Intervention, & Postvention for students in Year 5 to Year 12.

Livingworks ASIST

Learning about the invitations that indicate someone is thinking suicide is important, and knowing how to support that person can help reduce their feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Livingworks ASIST is a 2 day suicide intervention program.

CALM Suicide Intervention

A 1 day suicide intervention program with two apps, the Be Safe app for the person thinking suicide and the Be Calm app for the person supporting someone.

Trainers

Nothing counts like experience! All our training is delivered to a consistently high standard by trained, certified and experienced trainers who hold a Master trainers status in ASIST and MHFA, and are able to impart their industry knowledge in a motivating and enlightening manner.

Diversity

We deliver training in a supportive, respectful, and inclusive environment, accepting each individual’s differences, with consideration and adaptation for their culturally diverse needs. We embrace and welcome participants who identify as LGBTIQ, ATSI, FIFO, Refugee workers etc.

Bookings

Our training is available Australia wide, including rural and remote areas. A minimum of 30 days’ notice is preferred for all bookings. Training fees vary with each program, and can be dependent on location and the number of attendees.

Meet Our Team

Meet our team of professional accredited trainers who deliver these programs Nationwide, within the community, business and educational sectors.

Sandra WillieLifeline's Trilogy trainer, CALM T4T trainer, Cyberbullying T4T trainer, Livingworks safeTALK and ASIST trainer & Master MHFA instructor

Extremely driven, hardworking and passionate Sandra is a dedicated, lived experience professional with a focus on suicide intervention and prevention. She is passionate about building a knowledge base and community in which a person at risk of suicide has support, and others in the community have knowledge, resources and understanding. Sandra works to achieve this through training and connection, particularly in the area of suicide prevention and intervention. Drawing upon many years of industry experience, Sandra brings a wealth of knowledge of the impact of mental illness and suicide and focuses on assisting recovery so that everybody can live a full and meaningful life. Participants in training she has delivered have stated that her experience adds depth and understanding to all program curriculum. Sandra is the CEO of Suicide Programs, program developer of the Calm Suicide intervention skills programs, a Master Mental Health First-Aid Instructor, a Master Applied Suicide Interventions Skills instructor(ASIST), qualified Lifelines Trilogy school T4T suicide prevention program trainer, Cyberbulling T4T trainer and qualified counsellor and member of the Australian Counselling Association.

Lorna HirschLivingworks ASIST, safeTALK, and Suicide-to-Hope trainer

With a background in psychology, human resource and crisis line management, Lorna has over 18 years’ experience working as an educator in suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention across rural and metropolitan Australia as well as internationally. Lorna’s passion is building suicide-safer communities by developing awareness and skills through crisis and beyond into recovery and growth. Her approach engages people of all cultures, religions and genders, from community groups to professional organisations. As a public speaker, Lorna has been invited to present at conferences and workshops in Canada, USA, South Africa, and across Australia. Lorna currently manages the WA Branch of the National Centre for Suicide Prevention Training, and is an International Senior Coach and Consultant Trainer for LivingWorks Education Inc.

Katie MaherLivingworks ASIST and safeTALK trainer

Katie’s experience in suicide prevention and intervention spans 13 years, firstly as a coordinator for a Canadian telephone aid line, followed by an appointment as Coordinator for Lifeline’s crisis line in far North Queensland, where she gained valuable skills in suicide prevention and intervention. A Livingworks ASIST and safeTALK trainer, Katie continues to contribute to creating a suicide safer community and is well respected and renowned for her passion in this area. Katie is a qualified teacher and currently holds a position with Education Queensland, as well as continuing her work in this important area.

Paul TrainorCALM trainer, Cyberbullying T4T trainer, Livingworks ASIST & MHFA trainer

Paul’s background with Education Queensland includes experience as a class teacher, PE teacher, Deputy Principal, and Principal. Later in his career, Paul joined Mental Health Association Queensland coordinating rural and remote projects for ‘Skilling Queenslanders for Work’, this involved finding work placements for young people with mental health issues. Currently Paul holds a National training position and is a master instructor in both youth and standard Mental Health First Aid and is an experienced ASIST Trainer. Paul is often requested for training as he is engaging, and an enthusiastic presenter. Paul's style combined with his expansive knowledge in the mental health sector always shines through with positive comments from training participants.

Melanie SchroderCALM T4T trainer, Cyberbullying T4T trainer, Livingworks ASIST trainer

Melanie has worked in the Government and the Non Government sector for over 15 years filling a number of roles, as well as operating her own organization for over 10 years. Her passion is working in the field of mental health and suicide intervention and prevention. She brings comprehensive experience to the training arena with qualifications in counselling, law and mediation. Melanie’s enthusiasm is encompassed in changing community and cultural attitudes towards suicide with effective intervention and prevention education, delivered with her extensive knowledge, experience and insight. Melanie is the co-developer of the CALM 1 day suicide intervention program and a CALM T4T trainer.

Dot PiddingtonLivingworks ASIST, safeTALK, and suicide bereavement facilitator.

Dot's vast experience begins at Lifeline and spans over 30 years in many different roles, including - trainer, group facilitator, counsellor and telephone counsellor. Dot is highly qualified with a Masters of Counselling and Bachelor of Counselling. Her main focus is training in suicide prevention, intervention and postvention, with an intense passion in creating suicide safer communities. Many organisations engage Dot to speak at their public awareness days on suicide.

Andrea SchmuckLivingworks and safeTALK trainer

Providing a professional educational and caring environment to deliver the knowledge and skills required in suicide prevention, Andrea presents a comfortable safeTALK and ASIST workshops to community groups, business and organisations. Andrea takes the participants through step by step, and on completion participants will possess valuable, workable skills, knowledge and confidence to prevent a possible suicide. Andrea believes that suicide prevention is achievable and feels confident that safeTALK and ASIST contributes to the reduction of stigma associated with suicide. Andrea understands that suicide is real and affects members of families and communities. A former serving member of the Australian Defence Force, Andrea prides herself in her professional manner and possesses a wealth of personal experiences that drives her passion in this difficult and complex arena. Together with qualifications in Counselling and Community Services Andrea presents an energized, relaxed, engaging and heartfelt workshop. Her aspiration is to educate the wider community about suicide prevention and for individuals to gain the skills required to appropriately interact with at risk persons.

SUICIDE SAFER COMMUNITIES

SUICIDE SAFER SCHOOLS