A recurring theme across suicide prevention reporting is clear: frontline workers need greater skills and confidence to support people experiencing suicidal distress. While a wide range of suicide prevention, intervention and community-focused training programs exist, Wellways identified a gap - training tailored to the realities of frontline staff, who are often the first point of contact when someone is at risk.
In response, Wellways designed and piloted The Journey Project, a two-day suicide intervention training program centred on connection, safety, and dignity. Unlike broader education models, it addresses the nuanced challenges faced by frontline workers, equipping them with tools to intervene effectively while respecting autonomy, choice, and Wellways values.
A project team of four was formed in late 2024, including training specialists, frontline suicide prevention/postvention workers (one a First Nations worker), and lived experience representatives. Stakeholder consultations guided the design, with learning outcomes focused on:
• Embedding holistic practice across prevention, intervention, and postvention
• Recognising the impact of societal and personal attitudes on offering and receiving support
• Practising open, direct, and honest talk about suicide to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking
• Applying an effective suicide prevention model
• Practising suicide intervention relevant to the realities of frontline work
Developed over six months, the training aimed to foster a culture of organisational support and psychological safety. Between April and July 2025, pilots were delivered to workers across multiple programs in Townsville, Rockhampton, and Ballarat.
Evaluation data captured participant perspectives before, immediately after, and four weeks post-training. Results showed a 39% increase in suicide intervention skills and knowledge and a 30% increase in de-escalation confidence. These outcomes suggest participants were better equipped to avoid premature escalation to emergency services, which can be driven by anxiety or uncertainty and may inadvertently increase distress.
At its core, The Journey Project is grounded in human rights, connection, supported decision-making, and choice and control. It shifts the emphasis from “rescuing” or “fixing” to walking alongside people in their experience of suicidality, offering support that is compassionate, practical, and context specific.
Following the pilot’s success, Wellways is developing a train-the-trainer model to expand the program internally and explore opportunities for broader application across the suicide prevention sector. Ongoing evaluation will continue to guide refinement and development.
The Journey Project shows that training shaped by workers, lived experience, and First Nations leadership strengthens skills and confidence while fostering a culture of care, dignity, and safety.