As health workers in rural and remote communities we are on the front line of supporting individuals in the community. Whether at work or off duty, we are in a position of trust. Unfortunately, many health workers do not feel confident in talking with individuals who may need help or are experiencing emotional distress.

As a result, the CRANAplus Mental Health & Wellbeing Service has developed Critical Conversations, a free online course for rural and remote health workers. This course has been designed to build health workers skills in communicating with individuals who may need help, are in emotional distress or you are worried about.

We hope it will increase workers’ confidence in having these critical conversations and knowing when to seek additional help and su¬port for community members, members of your family and colleagues.

This free, interactive online course has been designed by remote mental health professionals specifically for the rural and remote health workforce. It guides learners through a 4 step approach for having a successful conversation and is packed full of practical strategies and real-life scenarios.

Remote health professionals wanting to feel confident in navigating conversations with people who need support.

1. Be prepared and respond when someone approaches you to have a conversation, or you are concerned about someone
2. Increase confidence and skills to have a successful conversation
3. Know when extra help is needed
4. Be familiar with key points in regard to discussing self-harm or suicide
5. Know where people can access help and resources nationally.