Designing supports for family and friends: outcomes from an Australian lived experience of suicide workshop.

Abstract

This study addresses the pivotal role of family and friends in supporting individuals experiencing suicidal distress. The research draws insights from a workshop at an Australian Lived Experience of Suicide Summit (2023) to explore how information and peer support should be presented and used in support programs and resources for family and friends supporting someone experiencing suicidal distress. The study engaged 52 delegates in an interactive workshop, comprising individuals with a lived experience of suicidal distress (30%), those bereaved by suicide (27%), family members or friends supporting someone with a lived experience of suicide (20%), sector representatives (16%) and others (7%). The workshop involved discussions on language, images, multimedia resources, key messages for programs and the integration of peer support. Content analysis categorized responses, and themes were ranked by popularity. Consensus emerged on preferred language referring to family and friends and those receiving support. Participants highlighted the importance of diversity in language, multimedia and images used in programs. This work helps to provide an understanding of family and friends' preferences for language, media, imagery and messaging when considering developing programs for family and friends supporting someone in suicidal distress. Peer support was also acknowledged as valuable for family and friends, but further understanding of the format and implementation of peer support is needed. Adapting program content based on end-users' advice is crucial for safety and engagement.