Suicide First Aid Course
Teaching the theory and practise of suicide intervention skills that can be applied in any professional or personal setting, accredited by City and Guilds of London. This is a one day course delivered on behalf of the National Centre for Suicide Prevention Education and Training – train as a Suicide First Aider. This course is for anyone who seeks greater understanding and confidence to intervene with people at risk of suicide.
This course is aimed at anyone wanting to develop an understanding about suicide, suicide behaviours and developing the confidence to initiate a conversation and ask the question! The course is available to multi-sector organisations, front line workers, managers and practitioners including health, housing, social care, education, criminal justice, call centre operators, private, voluntary, and public sector workers and community groups or members.
No previous experience or training is necessary. Participants will be asked to self-reflect and empathise with a person having thoughts of suicide. There is no expectation on participants to share personal experiences. Self-care is an important factor in attending this course we recommend you nominate a person you may wish to talk to following the course, as the content can be emotive.
Course Outcomes
Suicide First Aid through Understanding Suicide Intervention (SFAUSI) 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.
Course Format
The course is delivered virtually over approximately 7 taught hours using tutor facilitated Socratic learning, tutor-led practise sessions, mini lectures, group work and audio-visual presentations. This is a highly interactive and emotionally engaging learning experience.
SFA USI is comprised of four parts:
Part 1:
- Introduction to the programme, the course and suicide prevention
- Stigma, Survivors of bereavement by suicide and the Hidden Toll
- Suicide thoughts and suicide behaviour
- Intention of behaviour Versus Outcome of behaviour
- Possible Causes of Suicidal thoughts
Part 2
- Suicide – the Ripple Effect
- Population-based approach to suicide prevention
- Partnership working
- Working with attitudes and values
- Audio visual
Part 3
- Meeting the needs of a person who is thinking about suicide
- Suicide-Safety Guide – asking about suicide, understanding options and safeguarding
Part 4
- Suicide-safety and self-care
- The risk assessment approach
- Suicide and suicide gestures
- Future learning
Course Takeaways
The programme teaches and practices the skills and knowledge needed to identify someone who may be thinking about suicide and competently intervene to help create suicide-safety as a first aid approach. Participants will develop confidence in having direct conversations about suicide and asking the question.
Upon completion you will receive:
- An electronic detailed learner workbook
- SFA pocket Z card detailing safety planning
- SFA lanyard
- Electronic certificate of completion
Becoming a qualified Suicide First Aider
Upon completion participants can choose to register for the City and Guilds Level 4 accredited unit of learning for an additional fee of £93.50 per person. This involves completion of a written assignment.
What our clients say
Great course, I learned a lot that can be transferred into my work and life in general. I would recommend this course to anyone regardless of their role.
A very good course, very useful and insightful. It was very good that Stephanie was sensitive to people’s own experiences and emotions.
Stephanie was confident, personable, knowledgeable and well experienced in talking about the subject.
Meet your trainer
Meet your dedicated and experienced tutor, Stephanie Charles. You’re in very capable hands. She’s here to guide you through this learning journey. So, let’s get started. Your tutor can’t wait to meet you!
Stephanie Charles MNCPS (Acc.)
I have over 20 years experience in the learning and development sector as a trainer, facilitator and coach and hold accredited status in the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society.
I would describe myself as being a people person because people matter! I do have a particular interest in psychology and human behaviour. I think it’s important to help equip people with the awareness and tools they need to remain emotionally and physically well and safe.
I take great satisfaction from delivering Suicide Awareness training; I have been an associate tutor with the National Centre for Suicide Prevention, Education and Training organisation for over 3 years helping to educate people in the intervention and prevention of suicide – between us let’s ‘normalise’ talking about suicide!
