AHCSA delivers suicide alertness workshops in SA Far West Coast

Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia's Grant Day and Tennelle Richards and Sonder's Schania Czygan spent last week in South Australia's Far West Coast delivering LivingWorks Australia SafeTALK suicide alertness workshops to community.

During four days of workshops 70 people received important training in suicide alertness and prevention - at Yadu Aboriginal Health Service in Ceduna (special thanks to Lee-Ann Miller); to valued community members at Scotdesco, 100km west of Ceduna on the Great Australian Bight (special thanks to Robert Larking); and across two days in Yatala, to cultural leaders and health workers at Tullawon Health Service Inc. (special thanks to Eileen Miller and to ASIST Resource and Narrative Therapist Frank Parkes) and to representatives of Yalata community (special thanks once more to Eileen Miller).

"It was a powerful week with lots of learnings, fantastic hospitality, and many rewarding moments," said Day. "We're grateful to community for sharing their time with us and for allowing us to open conversations about suicide alertness. Let's keep the yarns going."

The AHCSA Social & Emotional Wellbeing program works with Aboriginal health services and the broader health sector across South Australia to address issues such as suicide, self-harm, and mental illness.

The program supports ACCHSs and other services working with Aboriginal people in helping to provide tools to adapt and deal with daily challenges (resilience and coping skills) while leading a fulfilling life - with understanding and recognition of Aboriginal resilience, diversity and unique community needs.

Click here for more information on the AHCSA Social & Emotional Wellbeing program.