When a friend seems quieter than usual, skips plans, or hides behind a smile, it’s easy to miss the signs that something deeper is going on. This Saturday, September 27, the Nepalese community in Sydney has the chance to learn how to recognize those silent cries for help, and step in before it’s too late.
Australia Nepal Public Link (ANPL), in partnership with Mauri-E and with the support of Cumberland Council, is hosting a free suicide prevention training at Auburn Community Centre from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The session will be led by Mr. Bharat Nepal, a certified mental health first aider and the founding president of ANPL. The training is practical, stigma-free, and focused on the Nepalese community; where conversations about mental health are still rare but desperately needed.
The need for such training could not be clearer. Nearly 200 Nepalese lives have been lost to suicide in Australia. Globally, Nepal’s statistics are equally alarming. In 2014, Nepal ranked 7th highest in the world for suicide deaths, with rates almost three times higher than Australia despite having a similar population size. Among women, the rates are even more heartbreaking: nearly double those in Western countries. And whether in Nepal or Australia, one in five adults experiences mental illness each year.
The training is designed to break stigma and empower community members with practical tools. Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs, use effective communication, and apply crisis intervention techniques. Participants will also learn about the network of support services available in Australia and how to connect friends, family, or peers with professional help.
The event is free for all members of the Nepalese community, and registration can be done through phone or email. Organizers emphasize that this is not a therapy or support group, but a vital skill-building workshop for anyone who wants to protect loved ones and friends. For young people especially, where friendships can often be lifelines, these skills could mean saving a life. By learning to ask with care, listen without judgment, and act when it matters most, community members can help prevent tragedies before they happen.
This weekend, the Nepalese community in Australia has the opportunity to build a culture where asking for help, and offering it, is seen not as weakness, but as strength. In a world where silence can be dangerous, this training a hopeful step towards creating safer, stronger connections where no one feels alone.
As the Nepalese community in Sydney continues to grow, initiatives like this highlight the importance of standing together, breaking the silence around mental health, and ensuring that support is always within reach.
