Cross cultural education in suicide prevention: Development of a training resource for use in Central Australian Indigenous communities

Abstract

The DVD ‘Suicide Story’ was developed by the Life Promotion Program of the Mental Health Association of Central Australia as a training resource for use in suicide prevention workshops targeting Central Australian Indigenous communities. The literature suggests there are currently limited suicide prevention training programs that include meaningful and effective education resources for Indigenous Australians, particularly those that have been evaluated. An evaluation was conducted by the Centre for Remote Health to assess participants’ perceptions about the ‘Suicide Story’ training resource in order to provide feedback for further improvements, assist with future distribution, and inform the development of the Train the Trainer workshops and a training manual. Evaluation results indicated that the DVD increased trainees’ knowledge and confidence to respond to someone at risk of suicide. It was also recognised that applying the principles of cultural safety within the area of suicide prevention will lead to initiatives that are more informed, more applicable, and ultimately more effective. The overall recommendation was that the training resource is delivered within the context of a well facilitated suicide prevention workshop, including support and involvement of local cultural consultants and Indigenous implementers.