SUICIDE PREVENTION CANTERBURY WAITAHA

Tirohia te pae whānui, tuātu i te pō. Tūramarama ki te ora, whakamauā kia tīnā!

See the broad horizon (beyond the darkness), hold on to life!

training

Looking for support, information or training?

Suicide prevention is a whole-of-community effort, and everyone has a role to play. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, your whānau, your workplace or your community, our Suicide Prevention & Postvention team at Pegasus Health is here to help.

We can connect you with local support, practical resources and evidence-based training that meets your needs. If you’re unsure where to start, looking for tailored training, or need professional guidance following a suicide or sudden death in your community, please reach out. In some instances, our team can also deliver training directly.

Explore the training options below, designed for everyone from community members and whānau to workplaces and professionals. Many offer culturally grounded approaches, including kaupapa Māori and Pasifika perspectives.

 MHERC

Workshops on mental health, wellbeing, and addition, plus Talk Time Online (free online sessions). 

Best suited for: mental health and social service workers, or people wanting to upskill in specific areas 
 

Listening to Families

Short, accessible videos and podcasts answering common questions families have about mental health. Co-designed with families and delivered by trusted specialists, these resources help support informed, compassionate conversations about mental health and suicide.

Best suited for:
Whānau and health or social service workers supporting families to navigate conversations about mental health and suicide.
 

Life Keepers Aotearoa

Free, practical suicide prevention training developed in Aotearoa. Builds confidence to recognise risk, have safe conversations, and connect people to support. 

Best suited for: community members, whānau, workplaces – no professional background needed. 

Visit the Life Keepers Aotearoa website 

Good Yarn

Peer-led mental health literacy training grounded in rural life and work. 

Best suited for: rural communities, farming and rural workplaces. 

Visit the Good Yarn website 

New Zealand Red Cross – Psychological First Aid

Practical training focused on listening, calming distress, and supporting people through difficult situations.

Best suited for: community members, volunteers, workplaces, frontline roles.

Visit the Red Cross website

St John New Zealand – Mental Health First Aid

Builds confidence to recognise mental distress and provide initial support in community or workplace settings.

Best suited for: workplaces, community groups, people wanting a recognised MHFA qualification. 
 

Mana Akiaki – LifeKeepers for Māori

Suicide prevention training delivered through a te ao Māori lens, weaving mātauranga Māori with evidence-informed practice. 

Best suited for: Māori, whānau, communities, and organisations wanting culturally grounded training. 

No te reo Māori fluency required. 

Visit the Mana Akiaki website

FLO Talanoa

Culturally safe, community-led suicide prevention training for Pasifika communities. 

Best suited for: Pasifika whānau, community leaders, and organisations. 

Visit the FLO Talanoa website

Te Pou – Mental health Aotearoa

Standard Mental Health First Aid

Evidence-based training focused on supporting adults experiencing mental distress. 

Best suited for: workplaces, community groups, health and social service workers. 

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Training for adults supporting rangatahi aged 11–18, with content tailored to adolescent mental health. 

Best suited for: teachers, guidance counsellors, youth workers, and those working with young people. 

Visit the Te Pou website

My Health Hub – Suicide Prevention in Primary Care

This free webinar provides practical, evidence-informed suicide prevention guidance for those working in primary care. It explores the scope and context of suicide in Aotearoa New Zealand and the important role primary care plays in identifying and responding to suicide risk. 

Best suited for: health or social service workers or those who work in primary care supporting people with suicidal distress.

Visit the MyHealthHub website