Hope, Humour, and Evidence-Based Suicide Prevention with special guest Associate Professor Jacinta Hawgood.

In one of the most significant episodes in The Laughter Clinic Podcast's short history, host Mark McConville welcomes his mentor, Associate Professor Jacinta Hawgood (AISRAP, Griffith University), for an intimate and wide-ranging discussion about suicide prevention, research, and the integration of lived experience into clinical practice.This powerful conversation explores the evolution of suicide prevention. Topics include: the STARS needs-based assessment protocol, integrating lived experience with clinical practice, Mates in Construction's peer-led model, debunking suicide myths, supporting the suicide prevention workforce, and why humour and hope belong in this space. Content warning: discusses suicide throughout.• the power of laughter and connection for wellbeing• validating distress and why asking about suicide helps• debunking myths about attention-seeking and “planting ideas”• Jacinta’s path into suicidology and AISRAP’s evolution• postgraduate education in suicidology and sector skills• lived experience integrating with clinical practice• STARS P needs-based assessment and collaborative safety planning• STARS Young Persons co-design and youth risk• universal, selected, indicated prevention explained• community engagement, cost barriers, and belonging• ripple effects of suicide and proactive postvention• Mates in Construction’s peer model and workplace programs• sustaining the workforce, supervision, and self-care• safe storytelling and advice for new advocatesTo follow Jacinta's work:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacinta-hawgood-3539a617/To learn more about AISRAP:https://www.griffith.edu.au/griffith-health/australian-institute-suicide-research-preventionTo learn more about the STARS Protocol:https://www.griffith.edu.au/griffith-health/australian-institute-suicide-research-prevention/systematic-tailored-assessment-for-responding-to-suicidalityTo learn more about Mates In Construction: https://mates.org.auWebsite: www.thelaughterclinic.com.auYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelaughterclinicAus"If you or someone you know needs support, please contact one of these Australian mental health services. In an emergency, always call 000."Lifeline AustraliaPhone: 13 11 14 (24/7)Web: lifeline.org.auSuicide Call Back ServicePhone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.auBeyond BluePhone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)Web: beyondblue.org.auKids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)Web: kidshelpline.com.auMensLine AustraliaPhone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)Web: mensline.org.auSANE Australia (complex mental health issues)Phone: 1800 18 7263Web: sane.orgQLife (LGBTIQ+ support)Phone: 1800 184 527 Web: qlife.org.auOpen Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)Web: openarms.gov.au1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)Web: 1800respect.org.auHeadspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)Phone: 1800 650 890 Web: headspace.org.au13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)Web: 13yarn.org.auMusic by Hayden Smithhttps://www.haydensmith.com