Blog | Module 1: Defining mental ill-health advocacy and personal development
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Blog | Module 1: Defining mental ill-health advocacy and personal development

BACKGROUND

Family members are some of the most impacted by a suicide attempt, and previous research shows that it can increase the risk of a suicide attempt and mental health problems in young people. But this research is limited and doesn’t explore the lived experience of young people aged 15 to 25 who have had a close family member attempt suicide.

This research study will explore young people’s experience of having a family member who has attempted suicide.

WHAT'S THE OPPORTUNITY?

We are looking for 6-10 young people to participate in an interview about their experiences of having a family member attempt suicide.

This will be an online recorded interview of 30-45 minutes with a researcher. The interview will be one-on-one.

All the information you share is private and confidential. It will not be shared outside of the research team.

Before you participate, you will need to complete:

  • A consent form
  • A demographic survey (10 minutes)
  • A confidential Wellness Plan that will be used to help us support you (15 minutes)

You will be paid $30 an hour for your time. The expected total duration is 1 hour.

AM i ELIGIBLE?

We are looking for young people who:

  • have a parent, sibling or other close family member* who has attempted suicide.
  • are currently aged between 16 and 30 years old.
  • were aged between 15 and 25 years when your family member attempted suicide.
  • are currently living in Australia.
  • have had 6 months or more pass since the last attempt.
  • are fluent in written and spoken English.

* A close family member is a member of your family with whom you have a strong connection, who you may or may not live with.

Participation is voluntary and we will make sure you have all the information about the study before you engage.

If you are aged under 18, you will need consent from a parent, guardian, or carer before you can take part.

We may also need to contact this person if we are worried about your safety at any time during the study.

WILL I NEED TO SHARE MY LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SUICIDE?

As part of the study, we will be looking at the experience and needs that young people have following a suicide attempt of a close family member, but there is no need for you to share specific details of your experience unless you feel comfortable to do so.

If at any time you don’t feel like continuing your involvement, we will support your decision to discontinue your participation in the study.

WHAT MIGHT BE SOME OF THE OUTCOMES OF MY INVOLVEMENT?

By participating in this research your experience will give us new knowledge that will be used for training and education. This might include webinars, recommendations or guidelines for mental health clinicians and community organisations that can help support young people in the future.

What we learn from the study might also help with developing future services or interventions for young people.