Helping people connect with supports
A range of supports can help people impacted by suicide or suicidal thoughts.
Part of the Suicide prevention in the workplace module.
At times, people need support to deal with thoughts of suicide, or to deal with the impact of someone else either talking about suicide or a death by suicide. During these times, a supportive conversation can make a big difference. Safe conversations about suicide provides guidance on how to have these conversations.
Some other supports are outlined below.
One of the best ways you can support someone thinking about suicide is encouraging them to get help. Options for help include contacting an Employee Assistance Program (if available), speaking to their GP or reaching out to organisations such as Lifeline and Beyond Blue.
Employee Assistance Programs
Many larger organisations offer free, confidential Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for their workers. Occasionally these services are also available for family members. Services can include telephone support through to counselling sessions. Contact your human resources or wellbeing teams for more information about what is available in your workplace.
Additional supports
It can be useful to know what services and resources are available, to get help for yourself or for someone else. If you or someone close to you is in immediate danger, dial 000 as soon as possible, and remain with them until help arrives.
Free, confidential services are also available around Australia. These services can also often help you connect with local services or supports.
- Lifeline Australia | 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467
- 13Yarn – a free confidential service run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People | 13 92 76
- Kids Helpline | 1800 55 1800
- MensLine Australia | 1300 78 99 78
- Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636
- Qlife – anonymous and free LGBTI peer support | 1800 184 527 – (3PM-Midnight every day)
Find more on the Urgent Help page.
Next steps
If you have helped someone connect with a support, it can be helpful following up with them to see if they contacted the service. Do this in a supportive and empathic way, and remember that they are not obliged to disclose to you if they have made contact. It is important not to be intrusive, but asking them a simple question such as, “Did you get in touch with (organisation name)?” or “Was that information I gave you about (organisation name) helpful?” can be helpful.
Keep checking in with the person and remind them that you care.
Make sure that you have this conversation in private, where you are unlikely to be overheard. If the person does not wish to discuss the matter, do not pry. However, if you have serious concerns about someone’s welfare, it is important that you take steps to help keep them safe.