Our facilitators are highly trained in the Alternatives to Suicide approach.

Each of us have completed a 3-day intensive workshop on how to facilitate an Alternaitves to Suicide group. This training provided us with invaluable insights to the numerous myths informing the current suicide prevention paradigm. We learnt how to deeply listen and be empathetic, holding the drive to fix someone’s problem or give someone advice without letting it control how we might respond. Most importantly, we learnt how to open up conversations and really explore what’s going on for someone who is having suicidal thoughts.

Outside of DISCHARGED, we have all worked extensively in peer support. In these roles we have gained group facilitation experience, insight into balancing various perspectives when providing support and a complex understanding for the things that can make life really difficult.

Lastly, to make sure our skills are well-maintained and up-to-date, we undertake professional development on topics such as de-escalation, conflict resolution and active listening. We keep an eye on trainings provided by ConnectGroups and CoMHWA as well as workshops and webinars delivered by international experts. These all contribute to our abilities to facilitate DISCHARGED support groups.