Living

LivingWorks programmes were developed in response to a growing community concern about suicide a costly legacy for the people who die and those affected.

These programmes recognise that many who consider suicide would rather live if they could find support to deal with problems in living.  Their suicides are preventable. 

Caregivers, whether friends and family, fellow works and students, or people in professional roles, are often the key to establishing these links with vital supports. They can spot those who may be at risk, attend to immediate safety and explore pathways to further help.  However, many feel inadequately prepared for this role.

LivingWorks

LivingWorks Education was founded in response to this challenge.  It grew out of the recognition that more was known in suicide literature and suicide intervention practice than was being used.

Its programmes sought to:

• make this knowledge more accessible to caregivers.
• motivate commitment and action
• encourage reflection on attitudes which affect suicide intervention
• facilitate co-ordinated, integrated action through co-operation and collaboration in suicide prevention

LivingWorks in Australia

In 1995 Lifeline in Australia sought and received Commonwealth funding to field trial two LivingWorks programmes in Australia.  These were Suicide Aware and Suicide Intervention Workshop now known as ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training).

Extensive evaluations affirmed these programmes capacity to deliver their learning objectives in an Australian setting.  Lifeline then secured Commonwealth funding for a wider national dissemination.  LivingWorks is now active in all States and Territories including some of the most remote parts of Australia.

Through an agreement with LivingWorks Education in Canada, where the programme originated, Lifeline Australia manages the development and implementation of LivingWorks in Australia.

LivingWorks in New Zealand

LifeLine Auckland authorised by LivingWorks Canada and supported and resourced by LivingWorks Australia manages LivingWorks New Zealand as an independent service.

The goal of Lifeline Auckland is to train and work with a wide range of organisations including community organisations, government departments, defence forces, local bodies, services clubs and the corporate sector.