Operation Life - Suicide Prevention Workshops

• What is Operation Life?
• Operation Life workshops
• Who can attend the workshops?
• Where are workshops held?
• How do I register for a workshop?
• About the workshops
  • Suicide alertness for everyone: (safeTALK)
  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training: (ASIST)
  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Tune-Up: (ASIST - Tune-up)
• Where to get Help

What is Operation Life?

Operation Life provides a framework for action to prevent suicide and promote mental health and resilience across the veteran community.  Its major components include a choice of suicide prevention programs and services for the veteran community. 

Operation Life workshops

Operation Life workshops are offered through VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service centres across Australia. The workshops’ emphasis is on suicide prevention––they aim to help members of the veteran community to recognise someone who might be having thoughts of suicide and to link them in with appropriate help. These workshops are not treatment programs.

There are three workshops:

1. Suicide alertness for everyone: safeTALK – a half day presentation
2. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training: (ASIST) – two-day skills training
3. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Tune-Up: (ASIST - Tune-up) – a half day refresher workshop.

DVA's preferred provider delivers the LivingWorks Program.
Note: Other DVA providers may present different but similar material.

Who can attend the workshops?

Workshops are free and open to people who are concerned about family, friends, mates or others in the veteran community.  Priority will be given to veterans and their families. Welfare, pension officers and other helpers from ex-service organisations and the veteran community are encouraged to attend.

Where are workshops held?

Workshops specifically for members of the veteran community can be arranged at metropolitan and regional locations, depending on demand.

If an Operation Life workshop is not available and there is insufficient demand for an Operation Life workshop in your area then assistance may be available to participate in other similar community workshops on suicide prevention.

Eligible veterans may receive assistance for travel costs.

How do I register for a workshop?

To register or to find out more about Operation Life, contact VVCS by calling

1800 011 046 (during normal business hours)

About the Workshops

Suicide alertness for everyone: (safeTALK)

Most people with thoughts of suicide signal their distress and invite help.  Often these opportunities are missed, dismissed or avoided––leaving people more alone and at greater risk.

In safeTALK you will learn how to become more alert to suicide prevention opportunities and how to offer help.

• See video role play reminders of why suicide alertness matters.
• Hear how open, direct talk about suicide can increase safety.
• Discuss barriers to helping.
• Practise basic helping steps. 

Upcoming program dates and locations

If you don't see a program in your location or the dates shown below do not meet your needs, please contact VVCS on 1800 011 046. Operation Life Workshops will be delivered across Australia according to demand.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training: (ASIST)

Most people thinking about suicide signal their pain and intentions––they offer us opportunities to respond.  This is the prevention opportunity.

Suicide first aid learned in ASIST can help all of us see, hear and respond to these invitations.  It prepares us to work with people at risk to increase their immediate safety and get further help.

ASIST applies in everyday situations with family, friends, co-workers or teammates and in professional roles or volunteering.

Become better prepared to:

• recognise when someone may be thinking of suicide
• respond in ways that clarify and address suicide risk
• understand why suicide thoughts are present
• work together to review risk and increase safety
• facilitate links with further help.

Interactive learning is stimulated by teaching and audiovisuals.  Small groups increase opportunities for discussion and skills practice.  Attendance at both days is essential.

Upcoming program dates and locations

If you don't see a program in your location or the dates shown below do not meet your needs, please contact VVCS on 1800 011 046. Operation Life Workshops will be delivered across Australia according to demand.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Tune-up: (ASIST - Tune-up)

This is a half-day workshop for those already trained in ASIST, who are seeking to update, review, or enhance their suicide intervention skills.

The workshop includes case examples, video of role plays, group discussions and skills practice.

Regular yearly tune-ups are recommended for anyone trained in ASIST.

Please note that these workshops are not treatment programs

Upcoming program dates and locations

If you don't see a program in your location or the dates shown below do not meet your needs, please contact VVCS on 1800 011 046. Operation Life Workshops will be delivered across Australia according to demand.

Where to get Help

If you require immediate crisis assistance

• In an emergency call 000

For immediate counselling assistance contact:

• Veterans Line:  1800 011 046
• Lifeline:  13 11 14

If you feel that you or someone you know may be suicidal, contact your GP or LMO or a counsellor.