A Global Vision for Crisis Support: Alan Woodward's Hope for the Future

Alan Woodward has spent decades strengthening crisis services around the world — from answering calls on the Lifeline crisis line to advising government leaders and building new programs. In this episode, Alan reflects on what it takes to face hard moments, how crisis services save lives, and why kindness (to others and ourselves) matters more than we realise.

Together, we explore the lessons Alan learned growing up in a coastal city in Australia, navigating career changes, managing anxiety, and staying committed to making the world better.

Guest:
Alan Woodward is a global leader in crisis support and suicide prevention. His work spans decades of service as a researcher, advocate, and advisor to governments and organisations, with deep roots in community-based care.

Host:
Dr. Tony Pisani is a professor, clinician, and founder of SafeSide Prevention, leading its mission to build safer, more connected military, health, education, and workplace communities.

Resources and References Mentioned: 

• Madelyn Gould, Columbia University – suicide prevention research.
• Consensus Statement on Crisis Support from international crisis line networks
• International Association for Suicide Prevention – work on decriminalisation of suicide 
• Lifeline International – Alan’s current organisation 
• Ghana's Decriminalisation of Suicide – paper 
• Australia’s National Suicide Prevention Strategy – released this year 
• Professor Rory O’Connor – theory of suicide and the role of entrapment
• Royal Commission into Robodebt (Australia) – Submission from Suicide Prevention Australia