Suicide awareness training is available in a virtual format

Earlier this week, the National Records of Scotland released data for the probable number of suicide deaths for 2019.  Following a downward trend in the early 2000s, the latest figures for Scotland show an increase of 6% from 2018 and sadly show the highest annual total since 2011.

In reaction to these figures, Rose Fitzpatrick, chair of Scotland’s National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group reacted on social media with the comment,
“Today’s news shows that now more than ever we need to encourage people to talk about suicide, to be able to ask for help and to feel confident to give help when it is needed.”

“To feel confident to give help when it is needed”

In our capacity as a suicide awareness training provider to organisations, we wanted to provide a brief update of our suicide awareness training options throughout the UK during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Face-to-face delivery of both the 2-day Asist and half-day SafeTALK courses has been paused, and they are currently not available in a virtual format.

However, both the full-day and half-day Suicide First Aid courses can be delivered virtually, or in a face-to-face setting where current restrictions permit.  They are either available as in-house courses for a single organisation or as virtual open courses where one or more staff members can sign up to attend the training in a group with other participants.  A highly experienced suicide awareness trainer delivers all courses in a safe and supportive virtual classroom environment.

The main differences between the Asist course and Suicide First Aid through Understanding Suicide Intervention (SFAtUSI) is that the SFAtUSI is a one-day course, requiring one trainer, rather than the two days and two trainers required for the Asist course.  Both courses are evidence-based, the Asist course was culturally developed in North America whilst the SFAtUSI has been designed and developed in the UK. The SFAtUSI course has a mandatory requirement for tutors to hold recognised PTLLS or PgCert Education and be occupationally competent Mental Health qualified practitioners.

One-day course: Suicide First Aid through Understanding Suicide Intervention

Open course date – Tuesday 23rd March 2021
In house delivery – the course can be delivered virtually in one day or as 2 half-day sessions, as well as face-to-face in one day if current restrictions permit

This course is for anyone who seeks a greater understanding and confidence to intervene with people at risk of suicide.  It is particularly suitable for HR managers and is accredited by City and Guilds of London. Attendance gives participants the CPD option, at a small additional cost, to complete a workbook of tasks that are assessed against the set learning outcomes and gain 6 NQF credit points at Level 4.

Attendance on this one-day course gives learners the knowledge and tools to understand that suicide is one of the most preventable deaths and some basic skills can help someone with thoughts of suicide stay safe from their thoughts and stay alive. Participants will leave the course with an understanding about supporting someone to be in a better place not to die, a 6-point plan and a good chance that they will have also practised a conversation.