CORES Suicide Prevention Training Delivered for Community Safety in Launceston

Building Skills for Suicide Prevention

On 12 June 2026, Starting Point Neighbourhood House hosted a CORES (Community Owned Response to Eliminating Suicide) Australia suicide prevention training session for local community members and families in Launceston, Tasmania. The session aimed to equip participants with skills and practical tools to better identify and support individuals at risk of suicide. Registration began from early morning, allowing attendees to settle in as the day focused on vital learning outcomes for the neighbourhood.

The training focused on developing awareness around the warning signs of suicide, as well as promoting the use of language recommended in the National Communications Charter Language Guide. The facilitators also introduced strategies for personal self-care, ensuring participants could look after their own wellbeing while supporting others. The session did not require prior professional experience, making it accessible to a diverse cross-section of the community.

Empowering Local Support Networks

With this initiative, Starting Point Neighbourhood House worked to build local capacity in suicide prevention. Community members and families benefited from practical skills that can be applied in their daily lives, whether they encounter someone in crisis at home, at work, or in other community settings. The focus was not on treatment or counselling but rather on empowering individuals to respond appropriately and connect those at risk with further help.

The impact of this training was seen in small but important ways. Participants reported a greater understanding of how to notice and address signs of distress in others. Some attendees left feeling more confident to talk openly about suicide prevention and to use respectful, clear language when approaching tough conversations. The inclusion of self-care strategies also meant that those supporting others had resources to manage their own mental health.

Overall, Starting Point Neighbourhood House’s decision to deliver the CORES Australia training made a practical contribution to community wellbeing in Launceston. The initiative fostered awareness, encouraged empathy, and strengthened the local network of people prepared to look out for each other in challenging times.