Learn how to recognise, respond to, and support individuals at risk of suicide with confidence and compassion. This course provides the essential skills and knowledge needed to identify warning signs, assess risk, and take effective, ethical action to keep people safe.
Increase the Safety of Individuals at Risk of Suicide explores the facts about suicide, including risk factors, triggers, and early warning signs across different age groups. You’ll learn to recognise verbal and non-verbal cues, apply communication models such as SOLER and SURETY, and engage in genuine, empathetic conversations that promote trust and openness.
Build your capability to assess suicide risk using structured approaches, understand the hierarchy of risk, and determine protective factors such as relationships and life connections. You’ll develop practical skills to create and implement safety plans through the four key stages: stabilising, assessing, responding, and following up.
This course also covers legal and ethical responsibilities, including duty of care, negligence, and organisational procedures. You’ll learn how to respond in emergencies, manage challenging situations, and empower individuals to make informed choices about their wellbeing. Designed for anyone working in health, community, or support roles, this course helps you make a real difference in suicide prevention and intervention.
Course Structure
Unit - Increase the Safety of Individuals at Risk of Suicide
- Respond to signs that a person may be considering suicide
- Facts about suicide
- Hints, cues and triggers
- Risk factors for suicide and self-harm
- Responding to warning signs
- Key indicators and warning signs
- Warning signs for young people
- Direct expressions
- Self-harm
- Interacting with a person who is suicidal or at risk of self-harm
- SOLER and SURETY – Communication models
- Showing empathy and be genuine
- Asking appropriate questions
- Open and reflective questions
- Raising the issue of suicide
- Determine why the person is considering suicide
- Asking what links them to life
- Risk of suicide – hierarchy table
- Assessing factors
- Relationships, life connections and safety support
- Physical pain and feelings
- Provide ongoing support and counselling
- Suicide prevention environments
- Supervision levels
- Develop and implement a safety plan
- Stage 1 – Stabilise the situation
- Stage 2 – Assess the risk
- Stage 3 – Implement the right risk procedure
- Stage 4 – Follow–up
- Challenging situations
- Remove other people that could be at risk
- Aggressive clients
- Mobilise emergency assistance if needed
- Responding to emergencies
- Duty of care – foreseeable harm
- Reasonable Person Test
- Laws, ethical guidelines and duty of care
- Negligence
- Procedures and SOP’s
- Organisational polices and procedures
- Empowering the person to make informed choices
- Client collaboration and consultation
Study Hours
Estimated duration 15 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional development for individuals working or aspiring to work in the education or community services sectors.
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