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National initiative from the Department of Health

IAR-DST aims to build a common language relating to mental health services or treatments an individual might require

Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) Snapshot

What is the IAR-DST?

The Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) Guidance and the IAR Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) were developed to create a nationally consistent framework for conducting initial mental health assessments. They assist general practitioners and other healthcare professionals in identifying and recommending the most appropriate level of care for individuals seeking mental health support.

These tools are an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, drawing on a range of sources, including Australian and international research evidence, as well as guidance from leading experts in the field.

What does it do?

Guided by clinicians’ own assessment and clinical judgement, the IAR-DST provides a consistent framework to deliberate decisions when matching a person’s mental health needs with the right level of service intensity, at the right time. National widespread use of the IAR-DST aims to build a common language across the mental health sector about treatment needs based on the person-centred and evidence-based stepped care approach.

Training Options

1. Online Live Workshop - The workshop will be facilitated by an experienced IAR Training and Support Officer (TSO) from the National TSO Network.

Component 1: Foundations

  • Introduction to the IAR and its development
  • Overview of stepped care in Australia
  • Orientation to IAR domains, levels of care, and the Decision Support Tool

Component 2: Interactive Practical Application

  • Application of the IAR-DST using a consumer scenario
  • Clinical judgement and supported decision-making in practice

2. e-Learning Module

A self-paced elearning module is available for suitably qualified and experienced health professionals involved in mental health assessment and/or treatment. This flexible online format allows health professionals, intake interviewers, and care navigators including non-clinical staff to complete the training at a time and place that suits their operational needs. To learn more about how the module works, please view the Video

This activity is approved by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. A certificate of attendance will be provided for participants to self-report eligible hours.

CPD Accreditation

This is an approved CPD activity with both:

  • Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
  • Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM)

A certificate of attendance will be issued to enable participants to self-report CPD hours in accordance with college requirements.

Please contact [email protected] if you’re interested to know more about the online workshop.

Benefits of the IAR-DST

1. Consistent and transparent referrals
The IAR-DST provides a standardised framework for referrers to communicate assessment and referral information consistently, and articulate treatment needs using a language commonly understood across the sector. Widespread use of the IAR-DST improves awareness and transparency of how decisions about the appropriateness of referrals are made.

2. Improved patient outcomes
Effective communication of a consumer’s circumstances will ensure that they are matched to the most appropriate service for their needs, minimise the risks and liabilities associated with under-estimating a person’s treatment needs. Moreover, this can reduce frustration and save time in managing rejected referrals, meaning more patients receive the right care at the right time.

3. Supported decision making
Referrers can use the tool to guide the discussion about treatment options with consumers, with the flexibility to adjust treatment needs in response to changes in their circumstances Studies have shown that when consumers are involved in the decision process, they are empowered and more likely to adhere to care.

4. Streamlined referral process
Integration of the IAR-DST within existing primary systems and mapping of available services to each level of care will streamline decision-making processes and reduce overall administrative load

How IAR Works

Eight holistic domains

The IAR-DST is used to alongside a usual mental health assessment to gather information from the consumer. The tool considers 8 holistic domains that are important for referral decision making in mental health, including:

  1. Symptom Severity and Distress
  2. Risk of Harm
  3. Functioning
  4. Impact of Co-Existing Conditions
  5. Treatment and Recovery History
  6. Social and Environmental Stressors
  7. Family and Other Support
  8. Engagement and Motivation
Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool

Access the Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool

Website

Why GPs are important in mental health

For most Australians, a general practice is the first port of call when they access Australian’s healthcare system, and their general practitioner (GP) is usually the first person they consult about their mental health care. In 2020-21, almost 13% of Australians aged 16-85 saw a GP for their mental health. In 2019-20, approximately 30% of Medicare-subsidised services specific to mental health were provided by GPs.

In a recent report, GPs reported – for the sixth consecutive year- that psychological conditions (including sleep disturbance and depression) were the most commonly reported reasons for patient presentations. This is why GPs would benefit from skills and knowledge to identify and address patient’s mental health needs.

Book the Initial Assessment and Referral workshop for your practice

Book Here

Workshops will be delivered at your practice or via Webex. Minumum of three participants required. You can choose to attend a full two hour session or two one hour sessions. Workshop is not confirmed until you have received an email confirmation from the trainer.

Contact Us

For more information contact [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

QuestionAnswer
What is IAR-DST?The Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) is an initiative by the Department of Health on establishing effective systems for the initial assessment and referral of individuals presenting with mental health conditions in primary health care settings. You can view the Guidance of this initiative here.
The IAR Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST or DST) is a decision support aid to assist clinicians in matching a person's mental health treatment needs with the right level of service intensity, which you can view here: https://iar-dst.online/#/
How long does the IAR-DST take to complete?Following a comprehensive mental health assessment, filling out the IAR-DST takes approximately 2-3 minutes for frequent users and 5-10 minutes for infrequent users.
Who can do the training?
We welcome everyone from the mental health workforce to attend the training and learn about IAR. Specific guidance on which clinician groups should complete the initial assessment and how to engage peer workers, youth workers, and workers trained in the delivery of low intensity services to undertake components of the initial assessment is outlined on page 20 of the Guidance, which can be found here.
Should our team do the training together?Some organisations may prefer to complete the training as a team or service to learn together, while others may prefer to register for training alongside other organisations in the open-registration sessions.
What do you receive after the training?Following completion of the training, you will receive:
·         Certificate of attendance (please note, you must participate in the full 2-hour workshop to receive a certificate of attendance)
·         Continued support from the IAR-DST Training Support Officer
·         Access to multi-disciplinary Communities of Practice to support clinicians post-training
·         Key resources and helpful links relevant to IAR-DST.

Round 3 Grant Recipients 2025

Gather My Crew:
Coordinated Care at Home -A Rural Pilot for Community-Driven Support (Yorke and Northern)

Gather My Crew is an award-winning Australian charity using technology to transform how Yorke Peninsula and Northern SA communities care for one another.

WoTL – The Change Compass (Riverland Murray & Coorong)

Women On The Land Learning Together (WoTL Ltd) is dedicated to helping rural women navigate change, work, and crisis including being impacted by the severe ongoing drought!

oppo_2

Riverland Youth Theatre – 3rd Place (Riverland Murray and Coorong)

3rd Place is a youth-led initiative designed to combat loneliness and disconnection among our youth in country South Australia.

Whyalla Men’s Shed Inc. Seasoned with Sawdust (Eyre and Far North)

Whyalla Men’s Shed is introducing basic woodwork classes for older adults as a unique approach to promoting health and wellbeing.

WCYCS Group Ltd (West Coast Youth & Community Support) Group Ltd – The Mentally Fit EP Grief and Loss Group (Eyre and Far North)

The Empowering Mental Health Through Animals Initiative connects animals with individuals facing mental health challenges.

Learn More & Get Involved – RHIF is evolving - 2026 will be upon us and Round 4 will have an early bird kick off to celebrate!

A Place of Intergenerational Connection by Crystal Brook Kindergarten (sponsored by Uniting Country SA) is a vibrant outdoor space in Crystal Brook, featuring gardens, safe pathways, and unique seating with handmade mosaics from an awe-inspiring, connective 2022 art project. 

Round 2 Grant Recipients 2024-25

Regenerate Rural Women - Women Together Learning (WoTL)

Expanding to the Riverland in 2024 to uplift and empower local women, the Regenerate Rural Women (RRW) program helps women prioritise their health and well-being with tools for resilience, stress management, and personal growth.

SYP Sounds - The Southern York Peninsula (SYP) Community Hub Inc

The SYP Community Hub Inc is an innovative not-for-profit responding to community needs and community-led ideas. We're excited to support SYP Sounds, a musical project connecting local musicians with the youth of Yorke Peninsula.

Second Beginnings - iReach Rural Health

The RHIF-funded Second Beginnings initiative will support individuals with chronic health conditions, mental health, and addiction challenges. With fortnightly community cooking sessions and shared meals that promote connection and wellbeing, their new mobile coffee and food van will offer skill-building opportunities for meaningful employment.

Willaston Football Club

Grant recipient Willaston Football Club has been funded for three initiatives: a Job Ready Program, Real-Life Resilience Program, and empowering the community through engaging The Sammy D Foundation to deliver courses. The Willaston Football Club consists of 350 men’s and women’s players, 350 members, and 1,500 supporters. 

Empowering Mental Health Through Animals Initiative - Sanctuary on Eyre Inc

The Empowering Mental Health Through Animals Initiative connects animals with individuals facing mental health challenges.

A Place of Integenerational Connection - Crystal Brook Kindergarten

A Place of Intergenerational Connection by Crystal Brook Kindergarten (sponsored by Uniting Country SA) is a vibrant outdoor space in Crystal Brook, featuring gardens, safe pathways, and unique seating with handmade mosaics from an awe-inspiring, connective 2022 art project. 

Round 1 Grant Recipients 2023-24

Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service


Tuesday 5 March 2024

Jeremy, Roy, Eddy and Fabian proudly showing off the new defibrillators for PLAHs.

Barunga Village - Stepping on Program

Friday 23 February 2024

Rural Health innovation Fund Coordinator Trudi Penrose-Starr met with one of the RHIF grant recipients, The Barunga Village in Kadina to see their excellent Stepping On program in action. It was wonderful to hear directly from the participants how informative and beneficial this program is to them and to witness the fantastic community connections and friendships they have made from attending the classes.

Hawker Community Development Board

Tuesday 23 January 2024

Rural Health Innovation Fund (RHIF) Coordinator Trudi, drove out to Hawker to meet with the Hawker Community Development Board and Community Gym a true display of fabulous collaborative community spirit driven by amazing people.

Riverland Youth Theatre

Tuesday 14 November 2023

Rural Health Innovation Fund Coordinator (RHIF) Trudi met the amazing team at Riverland Youth Theatre including their Board members and the young thespians.

Whyalla Men's Shed

Thursday 9 November 2023

Rural Health Innovation Fund Coordinator (RHIF) Trudi was in Whyalla to meet with the inspiring members of the Whyalla Men's Shed.

Our Town Ceduna/Far West

Wednesday 8 November 2023

Rural Health Innovation Fund (RHIF) Coordinator Trudi met with wonderful Grant recipients from Side by Side Mateship and Our Town Ceduna to learn all about their planning for the men’s mental fitness event making a much needed difference for their community.

Port Vincent Progress Association

Easy Moves Exercise Class - 27 September 2023

Trudi Penrose-Starr, RHIF Coordinator had the absolute privilege of meeting the amazing Easy Moves Exercise Class facilitated by the wonderful Jo Minks.

Diabetes SA

YP Field Days 2023 at Paskeville - 26 September to 28 September 2023

Rural Health Innovation Fund Coordinator Trudi Penrose-Starr had the pleasure of catching up with Diabetes SA at the Yorke Peninsula (Paskeville) Field Day.

Cathy Whitely and Trudi Penrose-Starr
Trudi Penrose-Starr with Satinder Kaur

The Embrace Collective

Activate event held at AFL Max on Monday 18 September 2023

Dr Zali Yager; Trudi Penrose-Starr; Taryn Brumfitt; and the Embrace Collective Kids
Taryn Brumfitt; and Trudi Penrose-Starr
Students watching the movie
Kate Dorsey; and Trudi Penrose-Starr
Students from a variety of schools
Taryn Brumfitt; and Dr Zali Yager

Diabetes SA

Meet and Greet with Diabetes SA - Thursday 7 September 2023

RHIF is very proud to be funding the Diabetes SA Type 2 Diabetes awareness and screening program held at the 2023 Paskeville Field Day.

Angelique Pasalidis; Fiona Benton; Maddie Freeman; Trudi Penrose-Starr; Cathy Whitely; Dr Natalie Luscombe-Marsh
Maddie Freeman; Cathy Whitely; and Trudi Penrose-Starr

Eyre Peninsula Advocate

Ceduna mates stand side-by-side

Close to 100 men attended Ceduna Foreshore Hotel o Staurday, March 16 to invest in their mental health.

Read More
Mt Gambier Times

Body image in the spotlight

Young leaders from the Limestone Coast region will learn how to move, nourish, appreciate and be kind to their bodies when the high-energy youth event ACTIVATE by Embrace comes to Mount Gambier on Tuesday, March 19.

Read More
Eyre Peninsula Advocate

Stand Close to Your Mates

A chance to help out your mate or know that somebody is there to care for you is at the centre of a community event to be hosted in Ceduna next month.

Read More
Yorke Peninsula Country Times Newspaper Article

Exercise grant hard at work

Country SA PHN Rural Health Innovation Fund co-ordinator Trudi Penrose-Starr joined the Port Vincent exercise class at the town institute on Wednesday, September 27.

Read More
Port Vincent Progress Association - A Focal Point

Exercise class meet up

On Wednesday 27 September Trudi Penrose-Starr, Rural Health Innovation Fund Coordinator with Country SA PHN joined the Port Vincent exercise class at the Port Vincent Institute.

Port Vincent Progress Association - A Focal Point

Read More
Eyre Peninsula Advocate Newspaper Article

Project responds to 'community need'

Our Town Ceduna/Far West is among the successful grant recipients from the Rural Health Innovtion Fund. The fund facilitated by Country SA PHN, has awarded grants to nine organisations across the state.

Read More
Port Vincent Progress Association - A Focal Point

Port Vincent Progress Association Community health and wellbeing initiatives

The Port Vincent Progress Association is thrilled their Rural Health Innovation Fund grant will enable them to continue their community exercise classes for free and buy new equipment.

Port Vincent Progress Association - A Focal Point

Read More
Yorke Peninsula Country Times Newspaper Article

Locals receive health innovation grants

Yorke Peninsula organisations and events are amongst the inaugural recipients of Country SA PHN's Rural Health Innovation Fund. The fund was officially launched in December 2022 to provide grants for community-led programs.

Read More
Port Lincoln Times Newspaper Article 

Upgrades and fund for health

Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service (PLAHS) has received a community grant from Rural Health Innovation Fund to go towards the Heart safety First community awareness campaign and purchase of cruicial medical equipment.

Read More
Media Release - February 2023

New country South Australian Charitable Fund offers Community Grants to enhance health and wellbeing.

A new South Australian charity – the Rural Health Innovation Fund (RHIF) – is offering exciting opportunities to enhance and support country South Australian’s health and wellbeing.

Read More
Media Release - September 2023

New country South Australian Charitable Fund announces Community Grant Recipients

The Rural Health Innovation Fund (RHIF) has been overwhelmed with the level of interest and the breadth and ideas in the applications received. 

Read More
Newspaper Article

APPLICATIONS are now open for grants through the newly established Rural Health Innovation Fund.

The fund is a standalone charity established by the Country SA PHN, and aims to provide funding opportunities for community-led programs in health and wellbeing initiatives.

Read More

Rural Health Innovation Fund (RHIF)

One-off funding for community-led programs

Grant Round 4 opens 2 February 2026 and closes 17 March 2026

CSAPHN RHIF Round 4 Grant Guidelines
CSAPHN RHIF Round 4 Grant Toolkit
CSAPHN RHIF Round 4 Grant Application Form




To find out additional information about the Grant application process please contact RHIF coordinator Susan on [email protected]

The Rural Health Innovation Fund provides one-off funding for community based programs targeted at innovative projects and initiatives that support quality health outcomes for people living in country South Australia.

The Rural Health Innovation Fund enables grant recipients to drive health care improvements (outcomes and experience) for people living in country areas, through projects and initiatives that are effective, efficient, sustainable and in support of equitable access to care.

Services/activities must be delivered within the geographical boundaries aligned with Country SA PHN:

  • Barossa Hills Fleurieu
  • Limestone Coast
  • Eyre and Far North
  • Riverland Mallee Coorong
  • Flinders and Upper North
  • Yorke and Northern

The Rural Health Innovation Fund Grant proposal must be:

  • Community led
  • Focused on health and wellbeing
  • For the benefit of country south Australians

Who can apply?

  • Not for profit organisations
  • Registered South Australian charities
  • Community groups

RHIF Grant Round Four

RHIF Grant Round 4 applications open on Monday, 2 February 2026 and will close on Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Please follow our RHIF Facebook page and stay tuned for more updates, as we celebrate our current RHIF Grant Round 3 recipients and their success stories!

Thanks to all our Grant recipients for the inspirational and important work you do improving health and wellbeing outcomes for country South Australians.

For more information on RHIF Grant Round 4 get in touch through:
[email protected]

Key focus areas

Your initiative should align with one or more key focus areas of The Rural Health Innovation Fund:

  • Delivers enhanced health and wellbeing outcomes for country South Australians.
  • Delivers sustainable improvements or knowledge that will enable enhanced health and wellbeing outcomes.
  • Partner with consumers to better manage their health care.
  • Is bold, creative, and innovative.
  • Addresses a need or gap identified in population health data.
  • Builds knowledge and/or evidence on which effective actions can be based.
  • Demonstrates the impact of intended outcomes.

Eligibility

To be eligible you must:

  • Be a not for profit organisation or registered as a charity on the Australian Charities National Register.
  • Have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN).
  • Have and maintain adequate insurance coverage.

Assessment process

It is at the discretion of The Rural Health Innovation Fund to award funds to one, multiple or no organisations.

Applications must meet the eligibility criteria.

The Rural Health Innovation Fund will appoint an assessment panel and will have SA Rural Health Network Board approval.

Contact

For further information on The Rural Health Innovation Fund Grants, please contact the Fund Coordinator.

 

 

Call one of the services below

Country SA PHN does not provide direct crisis services. If you or someone you know needs more urgent care, please call one of the services below:

Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467

A free nationwide service that provides 24/7 telephone and online counselling to people 15 years and over who are affected by suicide

Visit Site
beyondblue Support Service
1300 224 636

Online and 24/7 telephone service that provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.

Visit Site
eheadspace
1800 650 890

A free and confidential telephone and online service that supports young people aged 12-25 and their families going through a tough time, 7 days a week.

Visit Site
Kids Helpline
1800 551 800

A free, private and confidential 24/7 telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.

Visit Site
Lifeline
13 11 14

Online, 24/7 telephone and face-to-face crisis support and suicide prevention service that provides counselling, information and referrals to all Australians experiencing a personal crisis.

Visit Site
Medicare Mental Health phone service
1800 595 212

Entry point for people experiencing emotional distress, provides advice, guidance and referral to the local mental health service or support that is right for you.

Visit Site
Mensline Australia
1300 789 978

A telephone and online support, information and referral service, helping men to deal with relationship problems in a practical and effective way.

Visit Site
Thirrili
1800 805 801

Postvention or traumatic incident support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people available 24 hours, 7 days a week.   Thirrili works with Local Elders, community and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisations to ensure a community response is put in place to support individuals and families.  

Visit Site
Standby Support After Suicide
1300 727 247

StandBy is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing free face-to face and/or telephone support for anyone who has been bereaved or impacted by suicide at any stage in their life, including, Individuals, families, and friends; witnesses; first responders; and service providers

Visit Site
Black Dog Institute
(02) 8627 3314

Free confidential mental health support for emergency service workers and volunteers including those retired.

Access up to 12 sessions free of charge via telehealth, no referral, Medicare or GP information required. 

Visit Site
Mount Gambier Medicare Mental Health Centre
(08) 8724 7696

7-165 Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier 

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

A safe and welcoming space to talk to someone if you, or someone you care about, are in distress, or need help finding the right support to meet your needs.

Visit Site
Mount Barker Medicare Mental Health Centre
(08) 8473 6900

2-4 Cameron Road, Cameron Road Business Park, Mount Barker

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Wednesday: 9am - 7pm
  • Thursday to Friday: 9am - 9pm
  • Saturday to Sunday: 12pm - 8pm

For more information, please contact (08) 8473 6900.

A safe and welcoming space to talk to someone if you, or someone you care about, are in distress, or need help finding the right support to meet your needs.

Visit Site
Port Pirie Medicare Mental Health Centre
(08) 8714 9070

129 Ellen St, Port Pirie SA 5540

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

A safe and welcoming space to talk to someone if you, or someone you care about, are in distress, or need help finding the right support to meet your needs.

Visit Site
Lifeline Connect Centre, Clare
(08) 8842 2827

1 Blanche Street, Clare

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

A place to go for help when crisis looms and things get to be too much.  Access to a volunteer-based community centre for easy, approachable, non-clinical face to face counselling with a trained professional.

Visit Site
Lifeline Connect Centre, Port Pirie
(08) 8842 2827

79 Esmond Road, Port Pirie 

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

A place to go for help when crisis looms and things get to be too much.  Access to a volunteer-based community centre for easy, approachable, non-clinical face to face counselling with a trained professional.

Visit Site

Resources

Medicare Mental Health
  • If you want some support for your mental health and wellbeing, but aren’t exactly sure what that looks like, the Medicare Mental Health quiz can be a good starting point. Whether you want help with a specific issue you’re facing, or are looking to improve your mood and wellbeing, the quiz can guide you to helpful services and resources.   Click the link to access the quiz https://www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au/quiz

  • Call 1800 595 212 for free mental health advice and support or visit your nearest Medicare Mental Health Centre or Pop Up clinic. To find your nearest centre or clinic click the link here.

Life In Mind National Communications Charter (The Charter)

The Charter is a resource and uniting document to guide the way people in mental health and suicide prevention sectors, government, business and community members talk about mental ill-health and suicide. 

Country SA PHN is a proud signatory to The Charter and Chez Curnow – Executive Manager Mental Health and AOD Strategy is one of The Life In Mind National Communications Charter Champions.

Click here to access further information about The Charter https://lifeinmind.org.au/the-charter

The language we use to talk about suicide and mental illness can contribute to stigma and alienate members of the community. The Charter has developed a number of tools in the form of a series of language guides to support individuals, workplaces and communities. To access the language guides for Mental Illness and Suicide click here.

Life in Mind Resources

Life in Mind have a collection of suicide prevention resources for people in the suicide prevention sector, as well as those working in mental health, government, business and community groups, such as:

For more resources go to the Life in Mind website https://lifeinmind.org.au/programs-resources/resources

Conversations Matter

Conversations Matter is a practical online resource to support safe and effective community discussions about suicide. Click here to access resources https://conversationsmatter.org.au/

Mindframe – Communicating about suicide

When communicating about suicide it’s important to remember that suicide is a complex issue and is often not preceded by a single event or condition.  To access information about what to be mindful of when communicating about suicide click here https://mindframe.org.au/suicide/communicating-about-suicide

StandBy Support After Suicide

StandBy is accessible seven days a week, providing free face-to face and/or telephone support at a time and place that is best for each individual.

The program offers coordinated evidence-based support and resources (including connections to local services and groups) that is individualised for each person’s unique circumstance. This support is continued for up to two years to ensure those that engage with StandBy are not alone and receive ongoing support.

https://standbysupport.com.au/

3 Steps to Prevent Suicide

Three steps anyone can learn to
help prevent suicide.

Save a life

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer – the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. QPR training will provide you with:

  1. Knowledge and skills to identify warning signs that someone may be suicidal.
  2. Confidence to talk about suicidal thoughts
  3. Connect them with professional care

If you live in Country South Australia you can access the training using the code CSA

Start QPR Training

 

Click here

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question about QPR? We’re here to help.

Contact Us
What is QPR?

Question Persuade and Refer (QPR) is an evidence-based training which provides:

  • Knowledge and skills to identify warning signs that someone may be suicidal
  • Confidence to talk to them about suicidal thoughts
  • Connect them with professional care
How long does the training take to complete?

The self-paced session takes 60-90 minutes on average to complete and does not need to be completed in a single sitting – you can take as long as you like and take a break as need.

What will the training cover?

QPR online covers the following content:

  • Common myths and misconceptions about suicide
  • Warning signs of suicide (Direct verbal, indirect verbal, behavioural, situational)
  • How to ask the suicide question (direct and less direct methods)
  • How to persuade someone to stay alive How to refer individuals to help
How do I access the training?

To register for QPR training, click here. 

If you are having difficulties logging into your account, please contact [email protected].

What resources will I need to complete the training?

All you need to complete QPR online is your username/password and access to a computer or mobile device with internet connection.

Suicide prevention training can bring up strong emotions. How are people supported to seek help if they need it?

At all times during the QPR online training there will be a Need Help option which will refer the participant to support lines.

I have recently been personally affected by suicide. Is it safe for me to do the training?

Community suicide prevention training aims to teach individuals the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond. QPR training is not recommended for individuals recently bereaved by suicide, as it is not a therapy or support group, rather an education session to learn how to support others.

If you or someone you know is in need of more urgent care, please contact:

3 Steps to Prevent Suicide

Three steps anyone can learn to
help prevent suicide.

Save a life

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer – the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. QPR training will provide you with:

  1. Knowledge and skills to identify warning signs that someone may be suicidal.
  2. Confidence to talk about suicidal thoughts
  3. Connect them with professional care

If you live in Country South Australia you can access the training free using the code CSA

Start QPR Training

 

Click here

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question about QPR? We’re here to help.

Contact Us
What is QPR?

Question Persuade and Refer (QPR) is an evidence-based training which provides:

  • Knowledge and skills to identify warning signs that someone may be suicidal
  • Confidence to talk to them about suicidal thoughts
  • Connect them with professional care
How long does the training take to complete?

The self-paced session takes 60-90 minutes on average to complete and does not need to be completed in a single sitting – you can take as long as you like and take a break as need.

What will the training cover?

QPR online covers the following content:

  • Common myths and misconceptions about suicide
  • Warning signs of suicide (Direct verbal, indirect verbal, behavioural, situational)
  • How to ask the suicide question (direct and less direct methods)
  • How to persuade someone to stay alive How to refer individuals to help
How do I access the training?

To register for QPR training, click here.

If you are having difficulties logging into your account, please contact [email protected].

What resources will I need to complete the training?

All you need to complete QPR online is your username/password and access to a computer or mobile device with internet connection.

Suicide prevention training can bring up strong emotions. How are people supported to seek help if they need it?

At all times during the QPR online training there will be a Need Help option which will refer the participant to support lines.

I have recently been personally affected by suicide. Is it safe for me to do the training?

Community suicide prevention training aims to teach individuals the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond. QPR training is not recommended for individuals recently bereaved by suicide, as it is not a therapy or support group, rather an education session to learn how to support others.

If you or someone you know is in need of more urgent care, please contact:

care finder program

Connecting older Australians in country South Australia to aged care services and other community supports

The care finder service (the service) provides a network of staff across country South Australia, to assist people 65 years or older, or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Is the service available to all older people?

This service is supported by funding from Country SA PHN through the Australian Government's PHN Program.

To be eligible for the service, people should require individual and intensive help to understand, access and connect with aged care services and other community supports.

This may be due to:

  • having no-one else to assist,
  • communication difficulties,
  • finding that processing the aged care information is too difficult, or
  • difficulty engaging with help, due to past experiences with aged care, institutions or government.

This service is available for both:

  • those who have never accessed aged care
  • people already in the system who may have lost their way

A care finder will contact, meet, listen and begin to provide expert support, guidance and practical help to those they assist. This assistance can range from:

  • helping to register with My Aged Care,
  • completing relevant forms,
  • guidance through the assessment process,
  • support to find aged care or community services, including housing and homelessness.

The care finder will keep in contact and support until services are in place.

The care finder service is free.

Why is this service needed?

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety's final report in 2021 made 148 recommendations on a wide range of areas in aged care. It heard the aged care system is complex, with some people finding it more difficult than others to navigate and access the services they need.

While My Aged Care is the starting point to find out about and access aged care services for most people, there have long been calls for more localised and face-to-face support, especially for people who require intensive help. The care finder service helps address this need.

In January 2023, the care finder program commenced when Country SA PHN and the other 30 PHNs across Australia established a network of care finders within each of their regions.

How do I access or refer to care finder services in Country SA?

In line with the care finder Policy Guidance provided by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Country SA PHN has commissioned care finder services in our region.

The organisations below can be contacted directly. No formal referral to the services is required but each organisation will ask for some information to make sure the service is applicable.

If you are contacting the service on behalf of someone else, please ensure they have provided permission for you to do this for them.


care finderarea service providedphone numberonline referral form/ Further information
Country & Outback HealthBarossa (North), Eyre and Far North, Yorke and Northern, and Flinders and Upper North(08) 8644 4900cobh.com.au
FocusOne HealthLimestone Coast and Riverland(08) 8582 3823focusonehealth.com.au
iReach Rural HealthMallee Coorong(08) 8531 1303ireach.org.au
Summit HealthBarossa (South), Hills, Fleurieu, including Kangaroo Island(08) 7320 3150summithealth.org.au
Resthaven (AgedCare Alternatives)Limestone Coast0436 934 532resthaven.asn.au

Helpful resources

Download and print care finder brochures
Infographic of care finder activity in country SA 2023-2024
Housing and Homelessness sector education module

This education module was created and funded by Country SA PHN for care finders and other interested professionals to understand the navigation of this sector in country South Australia. The module is free to register and complete.

What if I'm not eligible for the care finder service?

Other aged care navigation support services include:

Elder Care Support program

The Elder Care Support program is designed to deliver Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care support, connection and coordination.

Through this progra, NACCHO is working with the Aboriginal community-controlled sector to ensure older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families are supported to understand, navigate and access aged care services they are entitled to.

Country SA PHN and their care finders are well connected with the Elder Care support program at a state and local level.

Learn more.

My Aged Care contact centre

To learn about, register, and connect with the aged care systems, get in touch with My Aged Care's contact centre. 

You can also find care finder services for metropolitan Adelaide and interstate locations through this service.

More information.

Services Australia Aged Care Specialist Officers

Visit or contact your local Services Australia office for assistance with general aged care related matters.

More information.

Contact Us

Helen Morley

care finder Lead

Phone: (08) 8303 7710

 

Contact Us
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Online

3 Steps to Prevent Suicide

Three steps anyone can learn to
help prevent suicide.

Save a life

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer – the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. QPR training will provide you with:

  1. Knowledge and skills to identify warning signs that someone may be suicidal.
  2. Confidence to talk about suicidal thoughts
  3. Connect them with professional care

If you live in Country South Australia you can access the training free using the code CSA

Start QPR Training

 

Click here

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question about QPR? We’re here to help.

Contact Us
What is QPR?

Question Persuade and Refer (QPR) is an evidence-based training which provides:

  • Knowledge and skills to identify warning signs that someone may be suicidal
  • Confidence to talk to them about suicidal thoughts
  • Connect them with professional care
How long does the training take to complete?

The self-paced session takes 60-90 minutes on average to complete and does not need to be completed in a single sitting – you can take as long as you like and take a break as need.

What will the training cover?

QPR online covers the following content:

  • Common myths and misconceptions about suicide
  • Warning signs of suicide (Direct verbal, indirect verbal, behavioural, situational)
  • How to ask the suicide question (direct and less direct methods)
  • How to persuade someone to stay alive How to refer individuals to help
How do I access the training?

To register for QPR training, click here.

If you are having difficulties logging into your account, please contact [email protected].

 

What resources will I need to complete the training?

All you need to complete QPR online is your username/password and access to a computer or mobile device with internet connection.

Suicide prevention training can bring up strong emotions. How are people supported to seek help if they need it?

At all times during the QPR online training there will be a Need Help option which will refer the participant to support lines.

I have recently been personally affected by suicide. Is it safe for me to do the training?

Community suicide prevention training aims to teach individuals the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond. QPR training is not recommended for individuals recently bereaved by suicide, as it is not a therapy or support group, rather an education session to learn how to support others.

If you or someone you know is in need of more urgent care, please contact: