CYNTHIA chats with JACINTA HAWGOOD

I first met this clever and compassionate woman around 15 years ago when I was invited to join her and her esteemed colleagues to learn more about her community suicide prevention and education programs.  I’ve got to admit I was incredibly nervous, and quite intimidated to sit at the table with this academic leader, and honoured when she earnestly asked for my lived experience perspective on the delicate topic of suicide.Jacinta is a registered clinical psychologist and has worked at AISRAP (Australian Institute of Suicide Research and Prevention since 2000. In 2001, Jacinta and Professor Diego De Leo developed the Graduate Certificate in Suicide Prevention and Master of Suicidology Programs, the first of their kind in the world. Jacinta has developed, delivered and evaluated suicide prevention training since 2000.Jacinta has specialist education, clinical and research interest in suicide risk assessment processes, personal suicide stigma, and the impacts of suicide on the worker. She has worked clinically with suicidal people for 20 years and has supervised other psychologists in this domain for over a decade.She is a member on several national and international advisory boards regarding suicide prevention and has a reviewing role for peer-reviewed journals in this domain. She has presented research findings at a range of state, national and international conferences, has co-authored and edited a book, book chapters, and numerous peer-reviewed articles and government reports in the field.Jacinta has worked on a numerous research projects and consultancies in the suicide prevention sector pertaining mostly to suicide prevention training evaluation, suicide in occupations, personal suicide stigma and evaluation of lived experience suicide prevention training. She truly has so much knowledge, wisdom and insight to share with us when it comes to the taboo subject of suicide. This Episode will hopefully offer anyone struggling themselves with suicidal tendencies or with loved ones who are overwhelmed and suicidal some support and a broader range of solutions to consider.  May peace be with you, thank you for joining us x