The Suicide and Self-Harm Awareness Training Course is designed for healthcare professionals, carers, and support staff to deepen their understanding of suicide and self-harm behaviours. This course provides essential knowledge on recognising the signs, understanding the underlying causes, and implementing effective interventions. Participants will gain practical skills to support individuals at risk and contribute to their safety and well-being.
 
Course Content:
 
Introduction to Suicide and Self-Harm: Overview of suicide and self-harm, including definitions, prevalence, and the differences between self-harm and suicidal behaviour. Understanding the impact on individuals, families, and communities.
Understanding Risk Factors: Examination of common risk factors and triggers for suicide and self-harm, such as mental health conditions, trauma, and social factors. Discussion on the interplay between these factors and individual vulnerabilities.
Recognising Warning Signs: Identifying key warning signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation and self-harm. Understanding behavioural, verbal, and emotional cues that may indicate someone is at risk.
Assessment and Screening: Techniques for conducting risk assessments and screenings to evaluate the level of risk and immediate needs of individuals showing signs of self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
Effective Communication: Strategies for engaging in sensitive and supportive conversations with individuals at risk. Techniques for listening, providing emotional support, and managing difficult conversations.
Intervention Strategies: Overview of intervention strategies, including crisis intervention, safety planning, and referral to appropriate mental health services. Understanding the role of different professionals in the intervention process.
Managing Self-Harm: Approaches for managing and supporting individuals who self-harm. Techniques for addressing self-harming behaviours and helping individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Legal and Ethical Considerations: Understanding legal and ethical issues related to suicide and self-harm, including confidentiality, duty of care, and safeguarding responsibilities.
Supporting Recovery: Strategies for supporting individuals in their recovery journey, including access to ongoing support, therapy, and community resources. Promoting resilience and long-term well-being.
 
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the Suicide and Self-Harm Awareness Training Course, participants will be able to:
 
Understand Suicide and Self-Harm: Demonstrate a clear understanding of suicide and self-harm, including their definitions, prevalence, and the impact on individuals and communities.
Recognise Risk Factors: Identify the key risk factors and triggers for suicide and self-harm, and understand how these factors contribute to the risk.
Spot Warning Signs: Recognise the warning signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation and self-harm, including behavioural, verbal, and emotional cues.
Conduct Assessments: Apply techniques for conducting risk assessments and screenings to evaluate the level of risk and immediate needs of individuals at risk.
Communicate Effectively: Use effective communication strategies to engage with individuals at risk, providing emotional support and managing sensitive conversations.
Implement Interventions: Understand and implement intervention strategies, including crisis intervention, safety planning, and referral to mental health services.
Manage Self-Harm: Apply practical approaches for managing self-harm, helping individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms and addressing self-harming behaviours.
Understand Legal and Ethical Issues: Recognise legal and ethical considerations related to suicide and self-harm, ensuring compliance with confidentiality, duty of care, and safeguarding requirements.
Support Recovery: Facilitate recovery and access to ongoing support, promoting resilience and long-term well-being for individuals at risk.
 
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive a Suicide and Self-Harm Awareness Training certificate, recognising their proficiency in understanding, managing, and supporting individuals affected by suicide and self-harm. This certification equips them with the skills necessary to provide compassionate, informed care and contribute to preventing and addressing these critical issues.