Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network [MPHN] is encouraging Hilltops residents to complete an online suicide prevention training course.
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The course, named QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), is free to people living in the Murrumbidgee area, including Hilltops region, and is designed to increase knowledge, understanding and confidence in talking about, and responding to, a person who may be suicidal.
It's one of nine suicide prevention strategies included in the Black Dog Institutes LifeSpan program being trialed in the Murrumbidgee.
Suicide Prevention Officer Seryn Adams is implementing the program across the Murrumbidgee and urges people to do the training.
"It helps people recognise the signs of suicide and teaches them what to do if someone says they're suicidal. This is about learning the next step if someone says they're not okay. What do we do now? That's what it teaches you," she said.
The Murrumbidgee is one of four trial sites in NSW and one in ACT implementing the LifeSpan model.
"We are one of five trial sites in the state and ACT. And we were chosen to be a part of that trial because of our higher rates of suicide," Ms Adams said.
"So it's important we're training people to be aware and know what to do. There's little things we can be aware of, and the training gives you tips on what to say and what not to say. Lots of practical stuff not everyone knows about."
The training is evidence-based and has been rolled-out across the US and UK.
"It's for everybody, it's not for health professionals, it's for the entire community," she said.
"We're trying to get as many people trained as we can, and bring those numbers down and make a difference."
The course takes about an hour to complete.
Ms Adams says 900 people across the Murrumbidgee have completed the course so far.
She hopes to see that figure climb to 1300.
"It doesn't even take an hour. You just log-on, it's really simple," Ms Adams said.
To sign up for the QPR online training, or for more information go to www.lifespanmurrumbidgee.org.au.
