Our Supporting Mob in Custody videos are aimed at families and carers who have a loved one in custody and have concerns that they may try to end their life.
Dean Bayliss of Healing Works Australia gives some tips for mob on what to look and listen for, how to approach the conversation and what to do if they say yes or no.
Dean also encourages mob to get help if they are struggling with their loved one being in custody.
Invitations to yarn
In this video Dean talks about why custody can be a really tough time for people.
Key points from the video:
- Custody can be a really vulnerable and tough time for people
- Invitations to yarn are different for everyone - they can look and sound like sadness, crying out of context and isolation or they could be anger, arguments and kicking off.
- If your intuition tells you something is off, act on it.
- You can help save a life!
Yarning about suicide
In this video Dean talks about what to do after asking the question.
Key points from the video:
- If you ask your loved one if they are thinking about killing themselves or ending their life and they say yes:
- Remain calm and try not to panic
- Sit in the pain with them and be a supporting ear
- Let Justice Health NSW or Corrective Services NSW know
- If you ask your loved one if they are thinking about killing themselves or ending their life and they say no but your intuition is telling you something isn’t right:
- Tell them why you are asking
- Be patient, persistent and use your intuition
Getting help for yourself
In this video Dean talks about why you should also check in with yourself and get help if you need it.
Key points from the video:
- Often you worry about what your loved one is going through in custody but it can be a tough time for you too
- If you find you are struggling:
- Be kind to yourself
- Don’t feel guilty for having those feelings, you are going through a loss of connection too
- Reach out to get some help if you are thinking about ending your life
For more information:
- 13YARN – 13 YARN are a crisis response service that are available 24/7 for mob who need to talk to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter when they are going through a tough time.
Call 13 92 76 or visit https://www.13yarn.org.au/
- Thirrili – Thirrili are an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation that can provide support for mob affected by suicide or other trauma.
Call 1800 805 801 or visit https://thirrili.com.au/