Evaluation of the Roses in the Ocean Lived Experience Training Programs: Final Report

Championing the voice of service users through incorporating consumer consultants and peer workers has become common practice in many mainstream mental health services over the last two decades (Fuhr et al., 2014; Pitt et al., 2013). Comparatively, learning from people who have experienced suicidal thoughts, survived a suicide attempt, cared for someone through suicidal crises, or bereaved by suicide has more recently been recognised as an essential component of effective suicide prevention strategies (Suicide Prevention Australia, 2013). Despite this greater focus and awareness, no training models exist to support those with a lived experience of suicide in this important role. There are a number of reasons why training programs designed specifically for the mental illness advocates field fail to meet the training needs of those with lived experience of suicide. Firstly, research has demonstrated that failure to discuss suicide safely can in fact increase suicide rates and stigma (McTernan et al., 2018; Joiner, 2011). There is a clear need for targeted training on suicide-specific safe language for lived experience representatives in this field to avoid further harms and traumas to communities. Further, while associated with and, at times, comorbid, suicide is fundamentally a “behavioural act” rather than a mental illness (De Leo, 2011). As such, suicide prevention lived experience representatives require understanding on these differing aetiologies and prevention pathways. Additionally, research continues to reveal the unique stigma experienced by people who have lost someone to suicide (Pitman, Osborn, Rantell, & King, 2016) and those who have attempted suicide themselves (Rimkeviciene, Hawgood, O’Gorman & De Leo, 2015). Training workshops for these populations must be cognisant and guided by these distinctive experiences. As people who have been previously affected by suicide are at elevated risk of suicide themselves (Franklin et al., 2017; Pitman et al, 2016) participant safety must be embedded throughout program design and delivery.