Many community members, particularly in Gympie and Maryborough, have recently been impacted and may be still recovering from the significant floods in March, as well as the on-going coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic,1 which has shown significant negative mental health outcomes. The programs aim to train pharmacy staff and community members to engage in conversations with people at risk for early intervention.
The Stronger Smarter Yarns for life® program is being run as a fully-funded day workshop in Hervey Bay on Monday 30 May, then in Gympie on Wednesday 1 June. The program was developed with and for First Nations Peoples and non-indigenous people.
The second program, Conversations for life® is an evening workshop run in Gympie on Tuesday 31 May, and in Maryborough on Thursday 2 June. Both programs are for community members and local pharmacy staff.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch President, Chris Owen, said that both community members and pharmacy staff in Gympie, Maryborough, Hervey Bay and surrounding areas will participate together in the integrated training.
“Sadly suicide rates are more than twice as high in young Indigenous Australians compared to non-Indigenous Australians3.”
“The training will support participants to have conversations with people in the community who may be at risk.”
“By educating and upskilling Queenslanders in early suicide prevention, we hope to increase the confidence of community members and pharmacy staff so they can engage in conversations with people at risk for early intervention.”
“There are only 15 spots available and limited places remain,” said Mr. Owen, “Now is the time to take action if you’ve ever wanted to join training around early conversations, building community connections and social inclusion,” Mr. Owen said.
“Community pharmacies are highly accessible with 97% of consumers living within 2.5km of their local community pharmacy, and 66% in regional areas.2 Pharmacies are also the most frequently visited health destinations and staff are well placed for significant interactions with members of the public.”
“The program will also highlight referral pathways to locally-led suicide prevention services to support practical and ongoing community collaboration.”
Central Queensland, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast PHN Chief Executive Officer Pattie Hudson said that supporting mental health services was an important priority for the PHN.
"I am delighted that our PHN is funding this important suicide prevention initiative, providing opportunities for participants to recognise warning signs for suicide, and learn intervention strategies to create a safer and more resilient community.”
“Community pharmacists are trusted healthcare professionals who are in a unique position not only to recognise suicidality, but to encourage others in the community to recognise it, respond appropriately and with this kind of training too,” concluded Mr. Owen.
The program is supported by funding from the Australian Government* through Central Queensland, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast PHN.
Limited places are left at the Gympie, Maryborough and Hervey Bay workshops. Pharmacy staff and local community members can register for the free training at guild.org.au/qldsuicideprevention.
If you are concerned that someone is struggling or might be thinking about suicide and you aren't sure how to talk to them, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
References
1. Australian Government, 2020. National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan. [online]. Available at: https://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/getmedia/1b7405ce-5d1a-44fc-b1e9-c00204614cb5/National-Mental-Health-and-Wellbeing-Pandemic-Response-Plan [Accessed 27 March 2022].
2. Roy Morgan. 2017. Roy Morgan Image Of Professions Survey 2017: Health Professionals Continue Domination With Nurses Most Highly Regarded Again; Followed By Doctors And Pharmacists. [online]. Available at: [Accessed 27 March 2022].
3. Australian Government, 2021. Deaths by suicide amongst Indigenous Australians. [online], Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/suicide-self-harm-monitoring/data/populations-age-groups/suicide-indigenous-australians. [Accessed 28 March 2022].