#Care2QPR

Question. Persuade. Refer.

And – as community members are encouraged to learn CPR to potentially save lives – Dr Hains is urging the public to learn QPR to do the same for those people struggling with suicidal thoughts.

The regional manager of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative said the internationally-renowned QPR training program had proven to be effective in saving lives.

“QPR is a one-hour online training course that costs just $10 – less than most people’s lunch – that will help people recognise and confidently respond to warning signs of suicide,” Dr Hains said.

“We want to get 10 per cent of the population in the Illawarra Shoalhaven to do QPR. The reason we’ve set that goal is that if one in 10 people have done the training, it will mean people who are struggling are very likely to come into contact with people who will know how to help them.”

The Mercury has joined forces with the Collaborative to reach that goal – and has enlisted the help of local politicians to lobby for funding to get community members trained up. Parents, partners, relatives, friends, colleagues – anyone wanting to help those around them get the support they need.

– Lisa Wachsmuth

Read more: 3 Steps Anyone Can Learn To Prevent Suicide

Image by Fernando from Unsplash