Suicide risk assessment fears, attitudes and behaviours of lifeline crisis supporters

Abstract

Approximately nine families lose a loved one to suicide each day in Australia (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2021), and hundreds more are impacted (Cerel et al., 2019). At the forefront of suicide prevention efforts is Lifeline Australia, which operates crisis support services including the national hotline, text and chat services. They receive nearly one million contacts from individuals experiencing crisis each year (Lifeline Australia, 2020). Lifeline Australia aims to provide crisis support and referral services to help-seekers to relieve immediate distress and increase coping skills