The Ballarat Suicide Prevention Place Based Trial is aimed at reducing the numbers of people taking their own life by educating people about the warning signs and providing them with the tools they need to support anyone they believe is at risk.

Supported by Uniting Vic.Tas and the Western Victoria Primary Health Network and funded by the state government, free community workshops are being made available.

READ MORE: Record number of crisis calls to Lifeline

Anyone who lives, works, or volunteers in the Ballarat local government area, with no previous suicide prevention training, can apply to learn how to support people in crisis.

Lifeline Ballarat Manager Jodie van Schie said suicide is one of leading causes of death in Australians between the ages of 15 and 44.

"These workshops are about increasing awareness of suicide and how you can help a family member, friend or colleague who you think may be vulnerable," she said in a statement.

"There's a number of workshops available including a 90-minute LivingWorks online session where you'll be equipped with the basic skills to recognise when somebody is thinking about suicide and how you should respond.

"Our most comprehensive training is a two-day course where trainers will give you the skills on how to recognise someone at risk of suicide, how to improve their immediate safety and refer them to appropriate help.

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"These are skills everybody needs to know. We all have a part to play in preventing suicide and education is the key."

People already working in an organisation or a role that provides mental health support or treatment services are not eligible for the workshops.

For more information or to register for a workshop, phone Lifeline 9051 7470 or e-mail training.llb@vt.uniting.org or visit meetingplacewestvicphn.com.au/education-and-training-ballarat.

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